Car will not Move when the transmission is in reverse?

Tiny
CRUZER1026
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 103,500 MILES
Recently my transmission has been acting up and I believe it's on it's way out. First when the car shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear, I hear the RPMs go really high. I believe it's slipping. And also, when putting the car in reverse it will not move. All you can hear is the engine revving up. Anything I should check before getting the car towed to a shop?
Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 2:32 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

The first thing to check is the transmission fluid level and condition. The purpose of the level check is obvious. The fluid condition can be insightful as to the internal condition of the transmission.

Here is a link that explains how in general to check it:

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

If you look below, I attached the manufacturer's procedures for checking the level. In addition to the level, place a few drops of fluid on a white cloth. The fluid should be a pinkish-red color. If it is dark or black, take note if there is a burnt smell to it.

Let me know what you find

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 10:33 PM
Tiny
CRUZER1026
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I did a drain and fill 2 months ago before this problem appeared. The fluid appeared dark red but didn't smell burnt. No chunks of metal either. I did the procedure for checking the fluid level when the transmission was around 190 F.
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Saturday, October 7th, 2023 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

The next thing would be to check the transmission line pressure to see if it is where it needs to be. I attached the directions below. I don't know if you are comfortable performing the diagnostics, so take a look through them and let me know your thoughts.

Also, let me know if the problem started all at once.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, October 7th, 2023 AT 9:11 PM
Tiny
CRUZER1026
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I've never tried this test before. Does it require those really expensive scan tools? My scan tool I use only looks for dtc codes.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2023 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

It does require a bidirectional scanner. Basically, it is a scanner that can turn things on and off on the vehicle for inspection.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, October 8th, 2023 AT 6:45 PM

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