Holden Barina Pricing and Specs

Start with the basics and make sure the transmission has fluid in it. Even a small leak can eventually reduce the level of fluid in the transmission to the point where drive is lost. Can you see an oily patch under the car where it’s parked each night? That’s a pretty good sign fluid of some kind is escaping.

But you could also have a mechanical selection problem where the gear selector in the cabin isn’t prodding the transmission into gear as it should. This could be a breakage or even a maladjustment. But you could also be looking at a transmission that has failed internally and would require replacement or rebuilding.

Either way, a transmission specialist is the place to go. Chances are the mechanics there have already seen this exact problem in this exact model and will be able to make a quick diagnosis.

In most cars, a red dashboard light suggests a serious problem that needs addressing now. An orange light, meanwhile, is trying to tell you that something slightly less important is going on. But something that still needs attention sooner rather than later. In a Barina, the orange light could be indicating anything from a check-engine warning to low fuel level.

The blue light, meanwhile, is more likely to be indicating that the coolant temperature is still low and you should drive gently until it is warmed up.

The brakes shouldn’t be applied at all if you’re trying to accelerate. What’s probably happening is that the brakes (likely the front calipers) are not releasing as you stop and take your foot off the brake pedal. Then, when you try to take off, the brakes are still applied somewhat and only break free once you hit the accelerator and convince the car to move.

Rebuilding the calipers should do the trick, but you may also have brake pads that are worn beyond their serviceable limit and need to be replaced. You should also check the rear brakes and the parking brake for poor adjustment and dragging.

This is important stuff, too, as driving with dragging or sticking brakes can overheat (and actually boil) the brake fluid, leaving you with no brakes when you need them most. And this sort of problem will only get worse over time, not better.