Why Does My Car Only Go in Reverse?

If your car will only move backward, that’s not a problem you can ignore – but what could be the cause? You may be baffled, wondering how this could even be possible. If your car will move, shouldn’t it go both forwards and backward? Not necessarily – and there could be several reasons you’ve run into this problem.

Shot of a car's transmission and gears

Low Transmission Fluid

One simple cause could be low transmission fluid. If you’re able, you can check your transmission fluid level and possibly top it off. When your car is low on transmission fluid, there may not be enough to adequately trigger a gear change. If you find your transmission fluid is low, you must make sure you use the correct fluid for your car and that you do not overfill your transmission. Getting either or both of those wrong can cause further damage to your transmission.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your transmission is a closed system, so if your transmission fluid is low, you probably have a leak that should be addressed sooner rather than later. While you can top off fluid yourself, you will have to visit a local transmission expert to find where your fluid is leaking and get it fixed.

Transmission Fluid leaking out of drain

Bigger Transmission Problems

Because your car’s transmission is so complex, there could be any number of parts within it causing your car to move only in reverse. It could be one or several parts that require replacing or repair to get your car running properly again.

To get an accurate diagnosis, you should have your car towed to a local transmission expert who understands the inner workings of your car’s transmission. This is the safest way to be sure you won’t run into the same problem again in the near future – or potentially something worse.

Trust AAMCO Central Florida Car Repair Services

Whenever you suspect a problem with your car’s transmission, don’t hesitate to get it serviced by a mechanic. And when it comes to transmissions, AAMCO Central Florida transmission repair services are unmatched. With expert knowledge and training, you can be sure you’ll drive away with a car that’s safe to drive and won’t leave you stranded. Plus many of our locations offer free towing, so if you’re having trouble getting your car to move forward, give us a call and we’ll take care of you.

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