Why won't your 1999 Chevy S10 move after you put in gear?

Answer 1

The most common problem in this case is very low fluid levels. There are other causes. If your transmission has an electronic shift control mechanism that could have gone bad (a switch with a bunch of wires coming out of it near the shift lever, or on the transmission itself near where the shift linkage is connected to the transmission) that could cause that problem in some cases. Also, last but not least, the Torque Converter could very well be Gone Bad. This could happen if the fluid levels were too low and/or the vehicle was being operated under strenuous loads for an extended amount of time with that situation.

If it's a standard, a gear could be stripped off (missing).

There are many different things that could go wrong with an automatic transmission. If you have checked all the fluid levels and the problem still persists, you should take your vehicle to have it checked out professionally. Never overfill your transmission. This could either ruin some internal components or just leak all over the place.

After you have checked your fluid levels, look under the vehicle and look for any leaks either from the bell housing, the rear seal (near the drive-shaft), or the transmission pan itself. If it is leaking and the vehicle will move with more fluid, have the gaskets replaced... Also, You may want to have the fluid flushed and the filter changed.

When changing the fluid in an automatic transmission, it is a good idea to drain the torque converter as well. To do this you will need to inspect the flywheel with the vehicle OFF. Look for a hole in the edge of the flywheel with a bolt just past the flywheel itself. You may have to "bump" the engine a few times to find it.

Take the bolt out and drain the fluid. One cause of problems is condensation of water vapor inside of the transmission. When this happens water can get into the torque converter and cause the transmission to malfunction, especially after a long winter with no activity. After doing this, also drain the pan and replace the gasket and the filter. Be careful not to crush the gasket before you get all the bolts started. Make sure not to strip the bolts either.

Automatic Transmissions usually require GALLONS of fluid (unless you did NOT drain the Torque Converter). Consult your vehicle's repair manuall to find out how many gallons (or quarts/pints) you vehicle's transmission requires. Also NEVER forget to put the drain bolt back into the torque converter before you start the engine or fill the Transmission with fluid.

If the transmission is empty, add TWO gallons of fluid, start the vehicle, then , in park, add more fluid quart by quart while checking the level as not to overfill.

Once you get fluid on the stick, hold the brake and shift through the gears slowly a few times and put the vehicle back in park. Check the levels again and add if necessary by the pint. (Note... a transmission dip-stick can sometimes get fluid stuck in it. Insert the stick a few times to clear it out. Wipe it off and check a last time.)

If the vehicle will not move even after all this, you have a bigger problem and unfortunately you may have to take it to a shop for service.

Good luck...