Why would my automatic car not shift into gear when the car is in drive and running

SOURCE: Car Won't Fully Shift into Park

You either have problem with the shifter assy, or the shifter cable has come out of adjustment.
If you remove the shifter bezel and center console you will be able to see the shifter cable. There will be a white or black lift tab on the cable. Release the tab and and place shifter in park. If it still does not go into park that means that you will need a shifter assy. If it goes into park with the tab released you push the tab back down with it still in park.

That should take care of your problem.

Phil Lovisek

• 726 Answers
• Posted on Oct 27, 2008

SOURCE: Automatic Gear Shifter Light Burned Out

You shifter indicator bulb (194 bulb number) has burned out. Pretty easy and cheap fix. The top of the indicator has to be removed/lifted up and teh bulb needs to be replaced.

SOURCE: My car will not Shift gears; Its stuck in first gear

hi,it seem your car is in emergency mode,you can check oil lever if deep stick is present,if not, better to bring your car to your dealer for proper diagnose,maybe erase fault only,ty

SOURCE: 92 Accord Automatic shifting

Has anyone change the transmission fluid and used anything other than Honda ATF-Z1. If so, have the fluid/filter changed in this car and use only Honda Fluid. This is the only fluid that you can use in a Honda. Even if you have used the correct fluid an fluid/filter change may help. If that is not the case then I suggest you seek out a trusted professional.

SOURCE: Automatic transmission won't shift into drive

ok it could be a handful of things
First i would check the transmission fluid. drive the car around until its at normal operating temp then when you park it (with the brake applied) start all the way in first and walk it back through the gears back to park then leave the car on and get out and check the fluid. if its low add some and thats all it might have been. It usually maintains a reddish color if its brown or smells burnt (trust me you will know it) something isn't so peachy in your tranny.

This could also be your kickdown cable needs adjusting

Some transmissions (such as GM's 4T60E) have a Vacuum Modulator which could cause this

Or your gears are burnt out. now a-days typically caused by people trying to drive their automatics like stick shifts.... or constantly running on low fluid