Pontiac Sunfire gear malfunction preventing forward movement on Pontiac Sunfire

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Pontiac Sunfire owners report experiencing gear malfunctions that prevent forward movement, which may be caused by several underlying issues. These issues can include odd noises from the transmission or engine area, indicating problems with gears, linkage, or other components affecting proper shifting. Additionally, some owners find that misaligned throttle position sensors, malfunctioning shift solenoids, or general wear and tear from higher mileage may contribute to the problem. A specific concern noted is when the vehicle exhibits no movement in DRIVE or THIRD positions but operates normally in SECOND, FIRST, or REVERSE, potentially due to a damaged forward sprag assembly. To address these malfunctions, owners are advised to check the transmission fluid level, as low fluid can hinder gear shifting, and inspect the shift linkage to ensure it is properly connected and functioning.

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