Common questions

Can a transmission cause a car not to start?

Can a transmission cause a car not to start?

Certainly. Automatic and manual transmissions for decades have had what is called a neutral safety switch, which disables the capability of the car to start while in gear.

Can a check engine light be used for a powertrain problem?

There is not very much in the powertrain or drivetrain that the average person can fix on their own, so you will likely need a professional with specialized equipment and knowledge to resolve these issues. Some cars also use this light to indicate an engine problem, but in most cars, that Check Engine light is reserved for that.

Why does my powertrain light keep coming on?

My powertrain indicator light (wrench) came on about a month ago. The car was / is running fine and everything seems normal, so I haven’t though too much of it. Quite honestly, I initially thought it meant ‘take me in for routine service’ which I translate as please ignore.

Why are the lights on but not the engine?

The reason why the radio, the dashboard warning lights, the headlights, and other electrical components can get power while the engine cannot has to do with an interrupted path of flow of power directed towards the engine.

What does a drivetrain warning light mean?

Generally, this indicator light means a problem has been detected in the automatic transmission (not applicable in manual transmission cars) or transaxle. This light can also indicate an Electric Shift Control system warning.

There is not very much in the powertrain or drivetrain that the average person can fix on their own, so you will likely need a professional with specialized equipment and knowledge to resolve these issues. Some cars also use this light to indicate an engine problem, but in most cars, that Check Engine light is reserved for that.

My powertrain indicator light (wrench) came on about a month ago. The car was / is running fine and everything seems normal, so I haven’t though too much of it. Quite honestly, I initially thought it meant ‘take me in for routine service’ which I translate as please ignore.

Generally, this indicator light means a problem has been detected in the automatic transmission (not applicable in manual transmission cars) or transaxle. This light can also indicate an Electric Shift Control system warning.

The reason why the radio, the dashboard warning lights, the headlights, and other electrical components can get power while the engine cannot has to do with an interrupted path of flow of power directed towards the engine.

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Ruth Doyle