I have a 96 chevy cavalier that starts up perfectly fine but when I put it into gear it sounds as if its in neutral, when in gear the car doesn't move so I don't think it is the trans.. I have heard that it might be the electronic shifting module but i don't know much about cars so any help would be awesome! thanks.

SOURCE: Chevy Tahoe stuck in neutral

Transfer case

SOURCE: trans wont shift out of low 96 cavalier 2.4

Does the speedometer work?

SOURCE: 1991 Caprice No reverse. Moves in neutral. All forward gears OK.

shift linkage needs adjusting,,could be bent, easy fix, located along firewall to fram beneath the column, ask your son wut he ran over and didnt tell u about... hope i could help...:)

SOURCE: Vibration when in gear, and stalling.

The problem is the torque converter solenoid. I had it happen on my 94 Cavalier a few years back and was a cheap fix at the local car mechanic. What happens is the transmission warms up and hits a certain speed where the solenoid engages, but then it sticks and won't disengage until it cools down sufficiently. When it sticks, it causes the car to shake when slowing down and will snub out the engine if you come to a stop.

SOURCE: 96 Chevy Cavalier z24 will not shift gears

i had the same issue with my cavalier 1998. the speed sensor wiring was chafed. fixed the wires and all is ok..hope this helps.