It was just another ordinary morning. I was headed to work, sipping my coffee with some background music on. Then, I pressed the gas pedal and shifted the gear lever into “Drive.” I thought my car would move forward at that point, but it didn’t happen. Surprisingly, it began to roll backward. I have had a question, “Why is my car going backwards in drive?”
After focusing on the issue, I searched the web for the reasons. I have found several reasons a car may refuse to move forward when the driver selects the “Drive” gear. Well, some possible reasons are issues with the transmission, brakes, engine, axle, sensors, ECM, and wiring. Each of these components has different functions. But when they malfunction, they may cause the issue I am talking about.
Besides those things, sometimes accidental shifts into reverse or incorrect shift pattern selection can be other reasons. However, I will discuss every possible reason in this blog. And I hope you will stay with it!
Car Transmission Issues & Going Backwards in Drive
A transmission system is indeed an essential component of any vehicle. It transfers the engine power to the wheels to move the car in the desired direction. However, you can find any of these two types of car transmissions: manual or automatic.
In manual transmission, you can switch speeds with the mechanical clutch and gear selection in the gearbox (source). Alternatively, the automatic transmission uses a torque converter, universal gearset, and clutch for gear shifting automatically (source). Regardless of the types, any components in the transmission can cause the car to go backward in Drive if they fail to work.
Transmission Slippage
Transmission slippage can prevent the car from moving forward. It happens when the car has low or burnt fluid. It leads to inconsistent movement and slipping (source). Besides, worn transmission bands, defective torque converters, or faulty shift solenoids can also cause transmission slippage.
What to Do
You should inspect the components I have mentioned first. If you find the fluid low or burnt, replace it with correct fluid. You may also require repairing or replacing the damaged parts.
Faulty Torque Converter
A faulty torque converter can cause multiple issues relevant to a car going backwards. You may have loss of acceleration, shuddering or vibration, delayed engagement and slipping between gears. Also, you will have difficulties in acceleration, gear slippage, and reduction of fuel economy (source).
You may ask about the connection between these issues and your car going backward in Drive. When your torque converter is not working, it will impact its bearing, fluid levels, and overall functionality. Also, a faulty converter may not engage properly. It will cause a delay in the power delivery to the wheel.
What to Do
If you find the symptoms (or results) of a faulty torque converter, you should replace it. Do it yourself or call a mechanic to check and replace it correctly.
Transmission Fluid Problems
Another transmission problem is the low fluid levels. It can cause a car to move backward in Drive. Thus, some symptoms of low fluid levels are slipping transmission, sudden shifting, RPM spikes, and grinding noises. Sometimes, you may find gear-shifting hard and vehicle lurching, shuddering, or shaking for lack of fluid (source).
What to Do
Locate the dipstick first. Ensure it is within the minimum and maximum levels for regular operation (source). If fluid is not within the recommendation, you may need to fill it accordingly.
Mechanical Issues & Car Going Backwards in Drive
Not only those transmission issues, but mechanical issues can also be the reasons for a vehicle rolling backwards in Drive. For instance, you will have the issue if you have malfunctioning brakes, engine, or axle problems.
Brakes Malfunction
A leak in the braking system, particularly in the master cylinder, may cause a soft or sinking brake pedal (source). Again, you may get an unresponsive brake pedal for a malfunctioning ABS control module in your car (source).
Sometimes you may experience vibration when braking for the uneven transfer of pad material to the rotor surface (source). When all these things happen, the brake system may fail to function properly. As a result, your car will go backwards.
What to Do
Thoroughly check the brake system to see if it works fine. If you find it unresponsive, you may need to replace it or repair its components. After all, it is a matter of safety while driving a car.
Axle or Differential Problems
Problems with the axle or differential can be another reason cars move backwards in Drive. Yet, worn pinion bearing can cause defective axle. You may hear whirring noises at different speeds due to this problem (source). Then, the lack of lubrication may invite axle or differential issues.
If your vehicle has worn gears and excessive bearing preload, the differential may get overheated. Also, the bad rear differential can make your wheel control tougher than usual.
What to Do
You should replace the defective axle or differential to avoid any further issues. Usually, it may take a couple of hours at a local mechanic store to replace it (source).
Electrical and Sensor Problems and Car Going Backwards in Drive
Any vehicle you drive may often have some electrical and sensor-related problems. When these problems appear, your car may go backward when you shift to drive.
Faulty Transmission Sensor
The transmission position sensor communicates with the powertrain control module when reversing the vehicle. If the sensor is faulty, it may not allow the car to shift into reverse.
However, some symptoms of a faulty transmission sensor are harsh or improper shift, cars not moving or starting, and broken speedometer or odometer. You may also get slow or harsh shift, engine power loss, and tough shifting to neutral or park (source).
What to Do
You should diagnose and repair any issues with the transmission sensor to ensure proper transmission functioning. In this case, testing the sensor may help you. Follow this tutorial to learn about testing a transmission speed sensor.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Issues
Have you checked the ECM (Engine Control Module) condition in your car? If it gets faulty, your car may move backward in the Drive. According to Car Ordinary, some symptoms of a bad ECM are the check engine light being on, difficulty starting the car, and poor engine performance.
Well, corrosion on the wiring harness, increased moisture, dead battery, low voltage, and a bad starter are some causes of faulty ECM (source).
What to Do
You should call a mechanic to diagnose and repair any existing issues with the ECM. It will ensure that your car won’t move backward in the Drive.
Gear Cable Stretchability
A stretched gear cable can also be a potential cause for a car not moving forward in Drive. If the gear cable is overly stretched, it may prevent the gear from adequately engaging. As a result, it can cause the car to act as if it is constantly in neutral gear (source).
Usually, the stretch gear cable problem is more persistent in older cars. Also, it may overstretch if you do not service the vehicle regularly.
What to Do
First you need to inspect the stretched cable. Then, a simple adjustment can resolve the issue. If you cannot do it on your own, you may get help from a professional.
Human Errors & Car Going Backwards in Drive
Except all those reasons I have discussed, we (or the driver) can be responsible for the car moving backward in the Drive. Suppose you accidentally shift into reverse instead of the Drive. Again, you may select an incorrect shift pattern. Then, your car may react, and things happen like going backward (source).
Environmental factors like wet roads sometimes reduce traction which can cause the issue. Also, pressing the accelerator instead of brake pedal while parking can also make car go in reverse.
What to Do
When you drive or park a vehicle, you should be careful what you are doing. For example, you should avoid or be careful not to press the accelerator. Instead, ensure to shift into the Drive properly.
Conclusion: Why Is My Car Going Backwards in Drive?
How do you feel now? I hope you understand why cars go in reverse in the drive mode. After all, I have explained everything regarding the problem, from transmission to human errors. And, of course, these are easy to understand, inspect, and solve.
Follow my instructions to solve the problem. Otherwise, you can stay calm and relax if it is a human-made issue. For further assistance, you may contact the experts.
Thank you for reading it!
