Last night I had the family all packed in, and when I started the car it seemed to idle a little rough, but smoothed out after a couple of seconds. I shifted from Park to reverse, there was a loud "clacking" noise and the car seemed to want to start going backwards, even the brakes that were a little rusty from being put up wet groaned as the car moved maybe 3 inches, then nothing. The car "flexes" as you push the gas, but doesn't go anywhere(except for a couple of inches of travel), forward or reverse. I started it up this morning and same thing. I have confirmed the parking brake is working normally. Any ideas on what this could be? Oh and the transmission fault light is on, but no message.

 

I'd check the 2 bolts for the shifter cable that are on the side of the trans. May be loose or even missing.

 

are they on the driver's side or pass side of trans?

 

My 2005 version is on the driver side and a little past the center of the pan length. Keep in mind they are above the pan (in the grey area). You will see three bolts in this section. Do not bother the bolt closes to the center of the pan, it's the two bolts closer to the rear that you want to inspect.

In the FAQ section, vance580 or 560 has a DIY oil change video in which he highlights making sure that the bolts are tighten at each oil change interval. Hope this helps!

 

well crap, my linkage bolts are exactly where they are supposed to be. I was really hoping that was the culprit. I guess it's going to get towed to the dealer. I'm going to be looking hard at trading it in on something else.