Why do my car start but won't move? ?

Question

I have a 97 pontiac grand am and it start up and sound normal but when I step on the clutch and put it in gear and release the clutch it makes a loud grinding noise what could it be is it the clutch gone bad or the whole transmission.

Answer 1

if your gears are grinding when you try and put it in gear then its more than likely either your clutch or gear synchronizer's. However by reading your question I don't think either of those are your problem, If the gears start to grind when you let the clutch out after its already in gear, than that

sounds like its your gear box, the cause of this would be worn gears however there is still possibility that you can drive it to the mechanics shop try each gear and if you find one that makes the car move use that gear to drive to the shop you may be restricted on speed but at least its moving also you may have to give it plenty of gas to compensate the higher gear.

Hope I was helpful

Answer 2

the grinding noise means you are grinding gears. there are several possibilities...

1) the clutch isn't completely disengaging causing you to grind gears in the transmission

2) the syncro's in the tranny went bad and you are grinding gears

3) a gear in the tranny broke and you are grinding gears.

4) the gear oil is low causing insufficient lubrication causing the gears to grind

Answer 3

that grinding noise is probably the throwout bearing.

Answer 4

Clutch

Answer 5

It is more then likely your clutch. When you replace the clutch make sure that you also replace the throw out bearing. They come as a set. Some mechanics only try to fix the clutch. It shouldn't cost you any more to get both replaced.