There are many causes, but the first thing to do is to check the Transmission Fluid level.
Check the owner's manual for the procedure...it will tell you whether the transmission must be in "neutral", or "park" (some older cars in "drive").
DANGER--FIRMLY SET THE PARKING BRAKE BEFORE YOU START!
1. Start the engine and leave it idling until the engine temperature gauge reaches normal.
DANGER--STAY CLEAR OF FAN BELTS AND OTHER MOVING PARTS!
2. Open the hood and (using a rag) clean around the area where the transmission dipstick (NOT THE OIL DIPSTICK) goes into the tube.
3. With the engine still idling (using a lint-free rag) pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe it off and reinsert it all the way into the transmission tube. Pull it out again and look at the fluid level. The fluid level should be between the "low" and "full" marks--or in the "hatched" area.
4. If the fluid level is low or there is no fluid on the dipstick (very low), shut off the engine and take ANOTHER vehicle to the auto parts store and buy about two quarts of transmission fluid and a special funnel (ask the parts person). Be sure to use the correct transmission fluid for your car...the parts guy/gal can help you with this.
5. Back at home, restart the engine (with parking brake set) and warm it up as before.
6. Using the special funnel you just bought, SLOWLY add transmission fluid by pouring it through the funnel into the same tube where you removed the dipstick.
DO NOT OVERFILL...ONCE YOU OVERFILL IT, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT BACK OUT!!
Here is a second common cause: The transmission fluid should be colored RED and transparent on the dipstick. If it is brown or dark brown, the fluid has been overheated and/or is very dirty. Have a qualified shop change the transmission fluid (including the fluid in the torque converter) and the transmission filter.
Hopefully this will solve the problem. If not, take your car to the dealer or a qualified transmission shop for analysis and repair.
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