Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Engine has power, car doesn't move.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-11-2016, 12:37 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Ryan Downie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Oregon
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 V8
Transmission: Automatic
Engine has power, car doesn't move.

Apologies if a similar thread already exists, but I could not find one. Four months ago I had a head gasket replaced, and last month I was driving down the freeway when I felt my engine surge slightly a few times, over the span of about 10 minutes. Then my engine lost all power, I got the RPM up to about 5,000, but gained no acceleration. All of my gauges were fine, engine temp was ok, didn't smell smoke or anythings suspicious. But when I got out I did realize all of my oil was on the road behind and under me. It still turns on fine, but won't budge. I'm worried my transmission is toast, but if anybody else has a more educated guess, I'd be happy to hear it. For specifications my car is a 1988 Firebird formula with a 350 V-8, about 130k on the mileage.
Old 05-11-2016, 05:35 AM
  #2  
Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
 
7thdarkangel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CT
Posts: 327
Received 83 Likes on 50 Posts
Car: 1983 Camaro
Engine: Missing
Transmission: Missing
Axle/Gears: 9" Ford
Re: Engine has power, car doesn't move.

Check your transmission fluid. See if its low or burnt. if its low, add some. when they are low even just a quart they do funny things.
Old 05-11-2016, 11:15 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

 
Damon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Philly, PA
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
Re: Engine has power, car doesn't move.

Automatic transmissions don't work without fluid in them. Figure out how all the fluid came out, fix it, refill and cross your fingers. In all likelihood your trans is toast.

Sorry.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
workingonapos
Electronics
0
03-22-2016 10:14 AM
TheFab
V6
3
03-19-2016 07:39 AM
Randomtask2
Tech / General Engine
6
03-17-2016 11:23 PM
That Sky Guy
Electronics
4
03-15-2016 07:40 AM
WhiteIROC1987
Body
1
03-14-2016 05:40 AM



Quick Reply: Engine has power, car doesn't move.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:47 PM.