Wont Move in drive or reverse why?

Tiny
IMPALA09LCTSR
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 153,000 MILES
My car won't go into drive, but it goes into drive and reverse. Does this mean I need a transmission? I took it to the dealer and they said I needed a new transmission and that mine could not be rebuilt?
Monday, August 5th, 2013 AT 5:35 AM

60 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Can I ask if the gear range selector is lighting up? You could have a bad gear range sensor here is how you can replace it. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, August 5th, 2013 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
PICKLES1127
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It's the tranny just did one on mine. GM knows there is an issue with these trannys from 2004-2009 and they won't do a recall. Mine cost me 1300 just for the rebuilt tranny.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
PAT5196
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had this problem it was the manual pressure valve check out the diagrams above to see. Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Manual Valve Position Switch
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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
JOHNNIE NORWOOD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
Driving and car stops and I turn back on but will not move.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
If when reving the engine up in drive the vehicle does begin to creep forward and the fluid level is fine, then by all means drain the fluid, drop the pan and change the filter, clean the pan, put it all back together and fill with new fluid and try that.
If though while revving the engine it does not move at all, the fluid is full and not burnt, check to see that the transmission shift lever is moving when shifting the shifter and if not, check if the shift cable maybe broke or if the shifter just needs adjusted so it properly selects the gears fully at the shift lever.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KOCO1405
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I was driving my car and it was running just fine didnt hear nothing at normal or felt nothing at normal I stop at my brothers house left the car on and once I was leaving I will accelerate and the front wheels would run real fast when making a turn and I had to push the peddle real hard for the car to go so I right away parked the car and I check my tranmision oil it was fine but I still went to the gas station and got some oil and I put it in the car and I started the car again and it started to go again good but then after after a few blocks it did it again it wouldnt go so I parked it and waited a little and tried to drive again and this time the car wouldnt go at all forward or backwards I check the engine oil and transmission oil and everything is normal can you pls help me
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Did the check engine light come on? Are you sure the trans fluid isn't over full? this guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KOCO1405
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No the engine light didnt go on is not on and the transmission oil is not over filled
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Since you lost both forward and reverse and there is no light on, either the linkage has come apart, you lost line pressure, the range sensor is bad, or the Trans Control Module (TCM) is bad.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WOLFDOGS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,371 MILES
I first noticed the car was not shifting into overdrive. O'Riley's gave me multiple codes. P0700, P0973, P0751. So I ordered a Transmission Shift and EPC and TCC PWM Downshift Solenoid Set with Manifold Pressure Switch. The following day returning home from a 3 mile drive, I stopped at a stop sign. I let off the brake and it was like the car was in neutral. I tried reverse but nothing so I towed it home and replaced the transmission fluid and filter with a new o-ring. Then replaced all the solenoids and the pressure switch. The car still wont move forward or reverse. I checked every fuse. All were good so I changed the TCM in the air box. Still nothing. No forward or reverse. Any suggestions what to try next?

Car is a Police Impala.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

The reverse is the key. There are no electronic controls for the reverse application. It is controlled mechanically.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

You have either a bad torque converter or front pump in the transmission.

It will have to be removed and inspected for the failure.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WOLFDOGS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is there a way to check the pump or torque converter without removing the transmission?
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The pump, yes. You would need pressure gauges and need to access the plug for testing the pump pressure. If you have no pressure, then it could be either one as the torque converter turns the front pump.

Procedure below.

Roy

Line Pressure Check

Special Tools
* J-21867 - Pressure Gage
* J-21867-65 - Pressure Test Adapter (5.3 Only)

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (See: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle > Electrical / Mechanical Repair).

Note:
* Before performing a line pressure check, verify that the pressure control (PC) solenoid valve is receiving the correct electrical signal from the PCM.
* Some conditions may be intermittent, therefore this test should be performed at least 3 times.

1. Install a scan tool.

Warning

Keep the brakes applied at all times in order to prevent unexpected vehicle motion. Personal injury may result if the vehicle moves unexpectedly.

2. Start the engine and set the parking brake.
3. Check for a stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
4. Repair the vehicle, if necessary.
5. Check the fluid level. Refer to the Transmission Fluid Check (See: Fluid - A/T > Component Tests and General Diagnostics > Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure).
6. Check the manual linkage for proper adjustment.

Description
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

7. Turn the engine Off.
8. Loosen Exhaust cross-over pipe to allow attachment of J-21867-65 - Pressure Test Adapter (5.3 Only).
9. Remove the oil pressure test hole plug and install the J-21867 - Pressure Gage and the J-21867-65 - Adapter if used.
10. Put the gear selector in PARK range and set the parking brake.
11. Start the engine and allow the engine to warm up at idle.

Caution: The total test running time should not be longer than 2 minutes. Running the test longer than 2 minutes may damage the transaxle.

12. Access the PC solenoid valve control test on the scan tool.
13. Increase the PC solenoid actual current from 0 to 1 amps in 0.1 amp increments. Allow the pressure to stabilize for five seconds after each pressure change. Read the corresponding line pressure on the J-21867 - gage.
14. Refer to the Line Pressure (See: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle > Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature > Line Pressure) specification table. Compare the data to the table.
15. If pressure readings differ greatly from the table, refer to Incorrect Line Pressure (See: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle > Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures > Incorrect Line Pressure).
16. Shut the engine OFF. Remove the J-21867 - gage and J-21867-65 - adapter if used.
17. Apply sealant GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 1095348) to the oil pressure test hole plug.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (See: Vehicle > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Fastener Caution).

18. Install the oil pressure test hole plug and tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb in).
19. Re-tighten the exhaust cross-over pipe (5.3 only).
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYTON YARNELL
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • 130,000 MILES
Hello I'm having a problem with my transmission. When I place it in drive or reverse the engine revs and does not supply any power. When in natural the car rolls and in park it engages the parking paw. There are no grinding sounds and feels and sounds normal when going from park to drive. I have had the transmission rebuilt about two years ago.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The first thing I would do is drop the pan and change the filter to see if it has debris that is preventing fluid to get to the front pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Beyond that, it is an internal failure that will require removal and inspection.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYTON YARNELL
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
That's what the magnetic looks like a did run my finger across it looks like little metal shavings almost grease like. Is this problem due to the input drum as I'm see a lot of people having problems with the 4t65e on the ls4 engine?
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That is normal wear and tear.

Could be but it will have to come out and be inspected. It could be the drum or the front pump or the torque converter.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYTON YARNELL
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
Thank you for information. I'm betting on the drum but I'll have to call the place that rebuilt the transmission and see if it's under warranty (probably not) but I'll see what they can do first before pulling it. A lot is hinting to the drum itself as a lot of people with ls4 and the 4t65e experience this problem after a rebuild and from what I found online it is the weakest part of the transmission. But sadly like almost every car problem it happens right before it gets cold outside, live in Ohio.

As from what I read on this site matches my exact problem with a rebuild with around 25,000 miles on it.
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYTON YARNELL
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
Well, I was thinking about it if the impute drum fails would I have reverse? I do not know a lot about transmission other than how to take them out. Been a while since I was in school and all we did was take them apart and put them back together no fault finding. Thanks
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes you would. That's why I think it's the front pump or the torque converter.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)

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