You know this is a severe problem if you’ve ever declared, “My car is stuck in reverse!” Trouble shifting out of reverse will render your vehicle inoperable. Several possible causes of your car being stuck in reverse indicate a significant transmission problem. This guide will examine some of the possible reasons for this issue and what you can do about it.
The Car’s Transmission
Your car’s transmission is a vital drivetrain component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. The transmission is a complex component that has lots of delicate moving parts. The transmission is also responsible for enabling your vehicle to drive backward (reverse) without the need for the engine to rotate in reverse. The complex network of gears also helps your vehicle maintain smooth acceleration and deceleration, which helps maximize fuel economy. Modern automatic transmissions have several electrical components controlled by the car’s computer system.
What Causes the Transmission to Become Stuck?
Your car’s transmission can get stuck in reverse for several reasons. Some of the more common causes are solenoid or clutch problems. The solenoid is an electrical component that controls the flow of transmission fluid. If the solenoid is malfunctioning, you may have difficulty shifting gears, among other issues. The clutch is responsible for connecting the engine to the transmission. When the clutch does not release from the engine’s flywheel, you will usually not be able to shift gears. And yes, automatic transmissions do have clutches.
What to Do About a Stuck Transmission?
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission is a highly complex component that mechanics specializing in transmission repair likely will need to repair. Unfortunately, transmission problems will not go away and need to be diagnosed and repaired as soon as they arise to avoid more costly repairs down the road. If your transmission is stuck, see your car care professional as quickly as possible. Please do not attempt to drive your car in reverse on the highway or other roadways, as this is illegal and very dangerous. Instead, call a tow truck and have your car safely transported to your mechanic.
If you are experiencing a vehicle stuck in reverse, don’t panic. However, not being able to shift gears indicates an underlying issue with the transmission that needs to be repaired by a professional. See your car care specialist to get your car back on the road and not stuck in reverse.