Vehicle does not Move when the transmission is shifted into reverse?

JMPAZERECKAS

MEMBER
2020 CHEVROLET MALIBU
AUTOMATIC
92,500 MILES

For the past few days, the car has been acting up. At first when the car was put in drive the engine would rev and move slowly forward and stall. Now today after I got it home from shopping the car works in drive but when you put it in reverse the engine just revs and does not back up. I have 92,500 miles on the car and have an extended warranty with Zurich for the power train. Does anybody know what could be wrong and do they think it will be covered under the power train warranty?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it won't reverse, and it was struggling in drive (engine revs/moves slowly) leads me to think either the transmission fluid is low or there is a pressure-related issue.

Before you present this for warranty consideration, check the transmission fluid level and condition. If it is low or excessively dirty, they may deny a claim.

I attached the directions below related to checking the transmission fluid level and condition. Take a look through the directions and let me know if you are comfortable performing them. Note that this doesn't have a traditional dipstick to check the level, so the directions are required.

Additionally, here is a link that explains in general how to do it. It may be helpful for you, but again, the directions specific to the vehicle are listed below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below. Note: The directions are for a Malibu with a 2.0L Turbo engine. If you have something different, let me know.

Images (Click to make bigger)