CAR SHIFTS INTO GEAR BUT DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE

SOURCE: gear shift difficulty moving/gear shift stuck in 1st gear

sounds like your shift cable was freezing up and finally snapped. check the trans shifter side and see if you can move it if so then this is problem. your car runs a cable not rods. if you pop the center console out you will get a better view there is one or two screws at back of console in cupholders and it should come out

SOURCE: car will not shift into gear

Sounds like a linkage/cable to me. Disconnect the linkage at the transmission and move the shift actuator by hand to see if there is the same things happening. Don't try to do this with the engine running unless someone is holding the brake inside the car.

SOURCE: 2002 chevy malibu transmission soleniod

It doesn't sound like a solenoid, check the universals and if it's not those, it is more than likely a linkage problem,

Please rate this answer. Thank you.

SOURCE: I purchased a 2001 Kia sportage ex, automatic

This is hard for me, because I would like to give you a lesson on vehicle purchasing.
You somehow bought a vehicle with a bad trans.
That could have been prevented
Having own a trans shop ,I have nothing positive to share with you. Sorry.
You will need professional help and unless it is a simple electrical issue,your going for a complete rebuild.
I did alot of foreign trans work. They just don't hold up like a Chevy or Dodge or some Fords.

Testimonial: "Thanks for your opinion.. That's what we figured, but it was an auction sale, so we didn't get to drive it before we sunk money into it. I really appreciate your time though!"