It depends on what you mean by "stops". Does the engine keep running? If it stalls, there's probably something wrong with one of the control computers or one of its sensors. Does the car just stop moving? Does it feel like the engine is still pushing? Do the revs drop? If so, then perhaps the brakes are binding. Perhaps there's something caught between the pad and the disc, or there's a rock in the emergency brake mechanism or the brake drum. Does the engine rev higher or stop pushing? Then the problem is most likely in the transmission.
it just works until it stops! like any machine! :)
Could be as simple as being in need of a tune up.
could be either transmission shift linkage not engaging reverse ( stops at neutral ) worn joint connectors sometimes cause this. or reverse clutches or gears bad inside transmission.
Try to take the back of the dresser off and remove the automatic stops from the inside.
the clutch release could have broken , the brakes could have locked, the engine could have blown, the transmission could have broken. These are mostly things that have happened to our ranger. It depends what you mean by stops
Air drag, Rolling resistance, thrust reversing Engines, and wheel brakes
I doubt it is a transmission problem. It sounds like the engine is in need of some attention maybe even some motor mounts.
If the check engine light is or has illuminated recently, start with having the codes pulled.
it is greater to stop something dead in its tracks because when it directly stops the mass will be the same because it stops with the most mass it has gain.
If you have a manual transmission, a worn out or defective clutch could cause it to not shift. There could also be internal damage to the transmission, causing the gears to not mesh together and slip. The shift linkage may also be loose, and preventing the transmission from shifting. If you have an automatic transmission, low or burn fluid can cause it to slip in gear or not shift at all. The transmission uses a pump to pump the fluid and maintain hydraulic pressure, so if the pump is broken or leaking the transmission will not shift. The fluid passages can also become clogged and cause loss of pressure. Many new vehicles use electronic solenoids to assist with shifting, and if the wiring harness or vehicle's computer stops working correctly, the transmission will not shift. In either case, you should take the vehicle to reputable transmission repair facility, where they can properly diagnose the cause of your issue.
Since no year was specified I can only guess it is the Transmission Lock. The transmission has a lock-out that stops taking the transmission from going out of Park unless the Brake is applied. BUT if there is a need to put the car in Neutral MANUALLY, say because of a complete electrical failure, a MANUAL RELEASE is provided on the Automatic Shifter Housing to Manually activate and remove it from park. That is what you are calling a 'switch'.
It could be a failing speed odmeter cable. remomove the cable from the transmission and see if the noise stops.