Truck not moving

2005 DODGE DAKOTA
90,000 MILES • 3.7L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I was driving home yesterday and when I took off from the light my truck was moving really slow. My check engine light came on as I pulled into the driveway. This morning I tried to leave, and my truck will not move in reverse, drive, or neutral when running. It does move in neutral when it's not running.
Apr 9, 2022 at 3:47 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
There could be a couple of things that caused this, but we need to start with checking for codes and finding out what is there.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Depending on what we find we may go in a different direction, but I suspect we are going to have to also check for proper fluid level and make sure it is not low and in good condition.

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

Once we run through this info and get the codes and fluid, we will have a better idea what the issue could be, but I suspect we will have a good idea what the issue is once we get this info.

Thanks
Apr 10, 2022 at 7:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Fluid levels are good, and fluid is pink. Check engine light is not on. When the car is started it will not move in any gear. When the key is turned forward but not running the truck move in every gear.
Apr 11, 2022 at 5:22 AM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Couple things. First, if the check engine light did come on then there was a code. It may not be on right now, but we still need to check for codes.

Also, I assumed when you said it will not go into gear, which means you put it into gear with the shifter, but it will not move the vehicle and it acts like it is in neutral in all gears.

Or did you mean the shifter will not move when the truck is running but when the key is in the on position, but the engine is not running then the shifter will move?

Let's clarify this and see if we can get the codes and go from there.

Thanks
Apr 11, 2022 at 8:20 AM
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The truck will go into reverse, neutral, drive,1 and 2 but won't move not even in neutral when the truck is running. If I turn the key on but not cranked the car will roll in reverse, neutral, drive. I bought a scanner, and no codes show up.
Apr 11, 2022 at 10:01 AM
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The truck does go into all gears just doesn't move when gas is given and doesn't do anything when in neutral either.
Apr 11, 2022 at 10:02 AM
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Could it be a sensor.
Apr 12, 2022 at 6:28 PM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. Just to be sure I understand, if when you put it in any gear it acts like it is in neutral and just revs then this is due to a lack of fluid or pressure.

so, we need to check the fluid and then check the pressure using the info below.

Unfortunately, this is most likely not a sensor. More than likely this is a pump issue.
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Avatar
EWALL77
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
When I put it in gear drive or reverse i press the gas and the truck just bumps forward in drive and a little bump backwards in reverse. When I put it in neutral the truck doesn't roll like it should it locked. If I turn the engine off, it rolls in neutral.
Apr 13, 2022 at 6:36 PM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is most likely due to a fuel pressure issue from a failed pump, or the torque converter has failed.

Basically, we need to use the info I attached before and check the pressure in the unit and find out if we have the proper pressure and go from there.

Without this info then it is unlikely that we will figure this out just because we need to start running through the basics and that will take us to the next step.
Apr 14, 2022 at 4:36 PM