1993 Grand Prix shifts, but will not go into gear.

[Chromdillion]

First, I tried searching for this and could not find a similar issue. If there is a problem like this that I wasn't able to find, I apologize in advance for an unnecessary new thread.

Ok, here is the specifics of my vehicle:

Vehicle: 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix SE, 3.1L 3-speed V6, 4-door sedan.
Mileage: 190, 939

A few weeks ago I went to leave my house after it had snowed. I put my car into reverse and it moved backwards (we have a slightly inclined driveway), and suddenly came to a stop. I figured I dug into the snow and got myself stuck, but when I opened my door, I noticed my wheels were not turning when I pressed on the gas pedal.

The shift handle will shift into every gear with no problem at all, but once it is taken out of park, it simply acts as though it is in neutral. (I don't know if this matters, but the shift handle also moves without the break pedal being pushed at all.)

Now, the car has plenty of transmission fluid, and it is not dark or dirty. I was told to test the pump to see if it was working by checking the tranny levels while the car is cold, turning the car on and immediately checking again. I was told if the level on the dipstick lowers, the pump is working. Well, the level did lower, on 3 different tests, so I believe the pump is working fine.

Transmission was not slipping, grinding, or anything unusual beforehand. I used the car the previous day, absolutely no issues whatsoever.

Thank you in advance for your assistance,

Chris.

*EDIT*
If there is any more specifications of my vehicle, or any other details that I have not included which may be useful, please ask and I'll do my best to gather the correct information!

[tblake]

Sounds like a final drive (differential) problem internal in the trans or have you inspected your CV axels to see if one could have broken?

[olopezm]

I'm by no means an expert specially when it comes to transmissions, but when you put the car in gear, can you feel the transmission has engaged or the engine changes it's sound a bit?

This could help pinpoint a mechanical or hydraulic problem. Mine had a similar problem about 5 years ago when I was accelerating to get into traffic it suddenly stopped moving and the problem was the differential was all chewed, I have no idea how did it happen and how the previous owner used to take care of the car...

Best regards,

Oscar.

[Chromdillion]

@ Blake, I have not checked those. I am not the best with cars and my father has been helping me. We're going to have a look at them later on in the week, but he doesn't think that is the problem as I can't feel the gears engaging or anything when I change gears. But, I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Oscar, no, I cannot feel anything happen with the car when I shift into the gears. Normally I was able to feel the engine engage the gear, but the only thing that appears to be moving at all is the shift handle.

[inafogg]

have someone shift trans while you watch to see if cable/linkage is moving

[olopezm]

Originally Posted by inafogg

have someone shift trans while you watch to see if cable/linkage is moving

That's what I was going to say!

I don't know if a bad Transmission Range Switch could cause your symptoms... Any of you guys thinks it could?

Best regards,

Oscar.