The most common reason why a transmission won't go into any gear is a low transmission fluid level. When the fluid level is low, the transmission can't get the proper amount of hydraulic pressure to shift gears. To check the transmission fluid level, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It is usually marked with a bright red or orange handle.
4. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the transmission fluid fill tube.
6. Pull the dipstick out again and check the fluid level. The fluid should be between the "FULL" and "ADD" marks on the dipstick.
If the transmission fluid level is low, add the appropriate type of transmission fluid to the transmission. Be sure to use the type of fluid recommended by your car's manufacturer.
2. Dirty transmission fluid
Dirty transmission fluid can also cause a transmission to not go into any gear. When the fluid is dirty, it can't get the proper amount of hydraulic pressure to shift gears. To clean the transmission fluid, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid drain plug. It is usually located on the bottom of the transmission pan.
4. Place a drain pan under the transmission fluid drain plug.
5. Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the fluid to drain out.
6. Replace the transmission fluid drain plug.
7. Remove the transmission fluid filter. It is usually located near the transmission fluid drain plug.
8. Inspect the transmission fluid filter for dirt and debris. If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.
9. Add the appropriate type of transmission fluid to the transmission. Be sure to use the type of fluid recommended by your car's manufacturer.
3. Faulty transmission shift solenoid
A faulty transmission shift solenoid can also cause a transmission to not go into any gear. The transmission shift solenoid is an electrical component that controls the flow of transmission fluid to the different gears. When the shift solenoid is faulty, it can prevent the transmission from shifting into any gear. To test the transmission shift solenoid, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission shift solenoid. It is usually located on the side of the transmission.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the transmission shift solenoid.
5. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the transmission shift solenoid. If the solenoid is faulty, it will not have continuity.
4. Faulty transmission valve body
A faulty transmission valve body can also cause a transmission to not go into any gear. The transmission valve body is a component that controls the flow of transmission fluid to the different gears. When the valve body is faulty, it can prevent the transmission from shifting into any gear. To test the transmission valve body, follow these steps:
1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle.
3. Open the hood and locate the transmission valve body. It is usually located on the side of the transmission.
4. Remove the transmission valve body bolts and remove the valve body from the transmission.
5. Inspect the transmission valve body for damage or wear. If the valve body is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot why your transmission won't go into any gear. If you are still having problems, you may need to take your car to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.