Transformation paralysis

Transformation paralysis is a condition in the Generation 1 continuity family.

Transformation paralysis is a condition where a Transformer finds themselves locked into their alternate mode.

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon

In 1985, when the Autobots participated in a race for charity, Megatron took the opportunity to test his latest creation, the Transfixatron, a weapon which locked a Transformer in whatever mode they were currently occupying. When Starscream dissed the device and Megatron's leadership, he was locked into fighter mode and had to beg his leader for mercy. With a successful demonstration under their belts, the Decepticons used the Transfixatron on the majority of the Autobots while they were stuck in vehicle form and captured them. While Megatron attempted to destroy the Autobots via an overly-elaborate trash compactor, Ratchet and Wheeljack create a device that would reverse the effect... a grenade. With the Autobots back to normal, they forced the Decepticons into retreat by firing the Transfixatron at Devastator, though instead of locking the Constructicons in that form, it for some reason forced them to separate. The Autobot Run

In the year 2006, while examining the Quadrant Lock in microscope mode, Perceptor was fired upon by the Quintessons. The Autobot scientist was injured and found himself suffering from transformation paralysis, locked within his microscope mode. You'd think things were bad enough, but then Perceptor's consciousness was placed into an alien drone. The Face of the Nijika

IDW comics continuity

While on Earth to investigate Bludgeon's dealings, Soundwave was paralyzed by an experimental weapon fired by Iguanus when he attempted to stop Bludgeon's cultists from carrying out their mad plan to resurrect Thunderwing. The weapon overrode his primary transformation cog and forced him to assume his alternate mode of his tape deck, which, as Bludgeon pointed out, was of a considerable inconvenience to Soundwave. A year later, Soundwave was dug up by the US government organization Skywatch during their excavation of Bludgeon's Mount St. Helens base. Over two decades later in the year 2007, Soundwave was then purchased by a teenager from a pawn shop in Portland, Oregon. Spotlight: Soundwave