Shifter shifts to all gears except "drive"

2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU

147,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

JOSE TRANA

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The shifter seems to always be on L1. When in park, the shifter illuminates 1, does not illuminate anything for reverse (however it does reverse). Neutral illuminates fine. Then when put on "drive" it illuminates L1 again. I could drive in this state but can barely go forty mph. The transmission revs very high without shifting to the next gear. What is wrong with it?

Aug 1, 2017 at 3:49 PM

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STRAILER

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
54,189 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the gear selector sensor/switch has gone bad which is common. Here is a wiring diagram and a couple of guides to help you do some testing to confirm the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Aug 2, 2017 at 7:27 PM