Vehicle won’t go into gear when running, when turned off, vehicle will go into gear but won’t start. 1998 Ford Explorer
My 1998 Ford Explorer 5-speed was having some issues shifting into 1st gear, later that day I went to start the vehicle to run errands and smelt a burning odor. Thinking, ok I burnt the clutch a bit, started the car and went to into reverse and the gear wouldn't go. So I tried going into ANY other gear and they all ended the same way. So I turned off the car and let it sit for 10 minutes. I put the car in reverse and tried to start it that way, it just sounded like the engine was choking and didn't start. Letting it sit while I did some research, I came up with nothing useful. I went
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello – your clutch hydraulics are the problem here. Check the clutch hydraulics fluid level – and it may share the same reservoir as the brake master cylinder (both use brake fluid as the hydraulic medium). If fluid needs to be added, that means that probably the clutch slave cylinder is leaking – this might be visible as a clear, but bitter-smelling liquid on the ground under the engine. I recommend a clutch hydraulics inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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The main reason the car won`t go into gear is that the level of transmission fluid in the vehicle is lower than required. If the level is low despite regular maintenance, there may be a leak. Transmission fluid, therefore, is important to ensure that the car`s moving parts are properly lubricated for functioning.
Hard, and sometimes impossible shifting into first and reverse is caused by the clutch disc not moving away from the spinning flywheel. This is commonly referred to as the “clutch is not releasing”. The number one cause is the hydraulic system that operates the clutch is leaking and has low fluid.
One reason why an automatic transmission isn`t shifting into gear has to do with the fluid. If it`s not at the right level or the incorrect type has been used, then it`ll affect the gears. Another big reason has to do with the ECM possibly going bad.
In most loose clutch cases with a hydraulic system, it is a probably an issue with the master cylinder. Internal or external damage to the cylinder can cause the hydraulic fluid to leak out and it simply will not perform properly once the fluid is too low. Sometimes, it is simply a worn seal that needs to be replaced.
If your car is not accelerating properly, check the air filter. The air filter traps dirt, debris and other impurities to keep them from entering the combustion chamber. A clogged air filter starves an engine of much-needed air, skewing the air/fuel mixture that affects acceleration.
Sudden failure is most often caused by a broken or loose clutch cable, linkable or a failed hydraulic master/slave cylinder. There can also be leaks in the hydraulic line or even the disc could be contaminated with something like dirt or debris.
If your vehicle will not shift out of first gear, the problem is not the fuses. The problem could be a shift solenoid, but more than likely, you have an internal transmission issue that will require rebuilding or replacing the unit. The 1-2 shift valve may be the problem.
Shift solenoid B allows the transmission to shift between 2nd and 3rd gear. When the powertrain control module (PCM) records code P0758, it indicates that the PCM is unable to detect the proper change in engine speed or increase in ground speed that should occur during a 2nd to 3rd gear shift.
Improper application or maintenance issues are the main causes of preventable gearbox failure.
The first thing to inspect is your entire clutch cable. They may be worn out over time, or simply need to be lubricated with special oil or powder. After the cable is lubricated, you also need to re-set the cable and adjust it to your convenience.
Sticky or stuck pedal
A clutch that sticks can cause grinding noises or can keep your vehicle from going into gear while a clutch pedal that is stuck to the floor renders your vehicle undriveable. If either of these situations happens to you, a trip to your mechanic is in order.
The TCM is a computer on an automatic transmission vehicle that determines when to shift from one gear to another. If the TCM shifts into too high or too low of a gear, it can cause the engine to stall. This is analogous to stalling out a manual transmission vehicle by trying to start in third gear.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Vehicle won’t go into gear when running, when turned off, vehicle will go into gear but won’t start. 1998 Ford Explorer
ANSWER : Hello – your clutch hydraulics are the problem here. Check the clutch hydraulics fluid level – and it may share the same reservoir as the brake master cylinder (both use brake fluid as the hydraulic medium). If fluid needs to be added, that means that probably the clutch slave cylinder is leaking – this might be visible as a clear, but bitter-smelling liquid on the ground under the engine. I recommend a clutch hydraulics inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.
My manual car won’t go into gear, it turns on and the clutch goes down perfectly fine. It happened after my gears grinded, the car
ANSWER : If the clutch mechanism is releasing properly, and the shift linkage is not malfunctioning, your transmission will have to be removed from the vehicle and inspected. Once a transmission has been removed from a vehicle, if the problem is a broken or worn part or parts, and the transmission has 100,000 miles or more, the most cost effective approach is to just simply rebuild the whole transmission. There are transmission rebuild kits that are sold just for this purpose. Rebuilding a transmission is no big deal and is indeed easier in many respects than rebuilding an engine. You can rebuild your transmission right in your own garage. You can NOT rebuild an engine in your own garage due to the highly specialized, and extremely costly, machine shop equipment required. Occasionally, mobile mechanics will take on a transmission rebuild job especially as once the mechanic removes the transmission from the vehicle, it is just simply a modular unit that can be easily transported to a mechanic’s shop and rebuilt right there and then returned to your vehicle. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Wont start (Click), shift gear from P to R then back to P Starts it, after runs for a while it starts up fine.
ANSWER : Your vehicle has something called a neutral safety switch that will prevent the vehicle from starting when it is in any gear position other than park or neutral. Occasionally, this switch can malfunction causing the car to stall as soon as you put it into any gear. This switch usually also monitors gear selection data as well to transmit back to the computer. This switch is connected to the starter solenoid which allows it to complete the starter circuit only when the transmission is in park or neutral. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
When I turn off car n go to start it it won’t start until about hr later n wen don’t start there’s no spark
ANSWER : This is a common symptom of an ignition coil failing. Coils are coated with a varnish-like insulation that becomes brittle over time after being stretched and then contracted repeatedly as the copper beneath them expands and contracts at a higher coefficient than the insulation. The insulation develops micro fractures that open when heated and close when cooled. When open, they allow shorting of coil windings and decrease or eliminate the coil’s ability to function. This is intensified when the coils are heated which is why this type of symptom occurs often times when the car is warm. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to verify why you sometimes have difficulties starting your vehicle, or replace your vehicle’s ignition coil.
Car won’t start – 2004 Ford Focus
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Check the battery cables for more corrosion and clean them up again. You may need to put backing soda and water mixture on the terminals to clean the corrosion completely off. Make sure that the cables are tight and also tight on the starter solenoid. By rocking the vehicle back and forth and using the clutch to start the vehicle, this is an indication that the cable on the starter is either corroded or loose. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your starting system, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose and resolve the issue.
So I have a hyundai sonata se push to start. My car won’t turn on, power is working, I push tof start but it won’t crank. I don’t
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you have a failed starter. However, without proper testing there is no way to be 100% sure. I suggest having the battery tested first with a digital battery tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health. Also inspect for corrosion on the terminals and cables as this will cause excessive resistance and not allow proper voltage/amps to the starter. Other possible failures could be in the wiring harness, relay, fuses, or communication network. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car does not start inspection.
