Troubleshooting a Car That Won’t Go Into Gear When the Engine Is Running

car wont go into gear when engine running

If your car won’t go into gear when the engine is running, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. There are several possible causes for this problem, and it’s important to identify the cause before attempting to fix it.

Check the Clutch (Manual Transmission)

If you have a manual transmission and your car won’t go into gear, the first thing you should check is the clutch. The clutch is a mechanical device that allows you to disengage the engine from the transmission, so that you can shift gears. If the clutch is not working properly, you will not be able to shift gears.
There are several things that can go wrong with a clutch. The clutch disc can wear out, the pressure plate can become weak, or the clutch cable can break. If you suspect that your clutch is not working properly, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Here are some signs that your clutch may be slipping⁚

• The engine revs higher than normal when you accelerate.
• The car hesitates or jerks when you shift gears.
• You smell a burning smell when you use the clutch.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to have your clutch checked as soon as possible. A worn-out clutch can lead to serious damage to your transmission.

To check the clutch, you can start by looking at the clutch fluid reservoir. If the fluid level is low, it could be a sign that there is a leak in the clutch system. You can also try to pump the clutch pedal several times. If the pedal feels spongy or if it goes all the way to the floor, it could be a sign that the clutch is not working properly.

If you are not comfortable checking the clutch yourself, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Inspect the Gearshift or Gear Selector

If you have checked the clutch and it is working properly, the next thing you should inspect is the gearshift or gear selector. The gearshift is the lever that you use to shift gears, and the gear selector is the mechanism that actually engages the gears.
There are several things that can go wrong with a gearshift or gear selector. The linkage between the gearshift and the transmission can become loose or damaged, or the gear selector itself can become worn or broken. If the gearshift or gear selector is not working properly, you will not be able to shift gears.

Here are some signs that your gearshift or gear selector may be faulty⁚

• The gearshift feels loose or sloppy.
• The gearshift does not move smoothly into gear.
• You hear a grinding noise when you shift gears.
• The car pops out of gear when you are driving.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to have your gearshift or gear selector inspected by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
To inspect the gearshift or gear selector, you can start by checking the linkage. The linkage is the set of rods and levers that connect the gearshift to the transmission. Look for any loose or damaged components. You can also try to move the gearshift by hand. If the gearshift moves easily, it could be a sign that the linkage is not connected properly.

If you are not comfortable inspecting the gearshift or gear selector yourself, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Ensure Proper Transmission Fluid or Gear Oil Levels

Transmission fluid or gear oil is essential for the proper operation of your car’s transmission. It lubricates the gears and other moving parts, and it helps to dissipate heat. If the transmission fluid or gear oil level is low, it can cause the transmission to overheat and malfunction.

One of the most common causes of a car not going into gear is low transmission fluid or gear oil. If the fluid level is low, the gears will not be properly lubricated and they will grind against each other. This can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.

Here are some signs that your transmission fluid or gear oil level may be low⁚

• The transmission is noisy when you shift gears.
• The car hesitates or slips when you shift gears.
• The transmission overheats.
• You see a leak under the car that is red or brown in color.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check the transmission fluid or gear oil level. You can do this by using the dipstick that is located in the engine compartment. The dipstick will have a mark that indicates the proper fluid level.

If the transmission fluid or gear oil level is low, you will need to add more fluid. You can purchase transmission fluid or gear oil at any auto parts store. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct type of fluid for your car.
Once you have added more fluid, check the level again to make sure that it is correct. If the level is still low, there may be a leak in the transmission. You should have the leak repaired by a qualified mechanic.

It is important to check the transmission fluid or gear oil level regularly, especially if you are experiencing any problems with the transmission. Checking the fluid level is a simple and inexpensive way to help keep your car running smoothly.

Consider Transmission Issues

If you have checked the clutch, gearshift, and transmission fluid level and everything seems to be in order, then the problem may be with the transmission itself. There are a number of things that can go wrong with a transmission, and some of them can be quite serious.
Here are some signs that you may have a transmission problem⁚

• The car is difficult or impossible to shift into gear.
• The transmission makes a grinding or whining noise when you shift gears.
• The car hesitates or slips when you shift gears.
• The transmission overheats.
• You see a leak under the car that is red or brown in color.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. Transmission problems can be expensive to repair, so it is important to catch them early.

Here are some of the most common transmission problems⁚

• Clutch problems⁚ The clutch is a part of the transmission that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission. If the clutch is worn out or damaged, it can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
• Gear problems⁚ The gears in the transmission can become worn or damaged over time. This can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears, and it can also cause the transmission to make a grinding or whining noise.
• Synchronizer problems⁚ Synchronizers are devices that help to smooth out the shifting process. If a synchronizer is worn out or damaged, it can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
• Transmission fluid problems⁚ Transmission fluid is essential for the proper operation of the transmission. If the transmission fluid is low, dirty, or contaminated, it can cause the transmission to overheat and malfunction.

If you are experiencing any transmission problems, it is important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. Transmission problems can be expensive to repair, so it is important to catch them early.

Check the Neutral and Park Safety Switches (Automatic Transmission)

If you have an automatic transmission, the problem may be with the neutral or park safety switches. These switches prevent the car from starting in gear and from shifting out of park without the brake pedal being depressed.

Here are some signs that you may have a problem with the neutral or park safety switches⁚

• The car won’t start in gear.
• The car can be shifted out of park without the brake pedal being depressed.
• The car rolls when it is in park.

To check the neutral and park safety switches, you will need to use a multimeter; Here are the steps⁚

Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the neutral safety switch.
Touch one probe of the multimeter to the terminal on the switch that is connected to the transmission.
Touch the other probe of the multimeter to the ground terminal on the switch.
The multimeter should read 0 ohms.
Repeat steps 2-5 for the park safety switch.

If the multimeter does not read 0 ohms for either switch, then the switch is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting a car that won’t go into gear when the engine is running⁚

• If you have a manual transmission, try shifting the gears with the engine off. If the gears shift easily with the engine off, then the problem is most likely with the clutch.
• If you have an automatic transmission, try shifting the gears with the engine running and the brake pedal depressed. If the gears shift easily with the brake pedal depressed, then the problem is most likely with the neutral or park safety switches.
• If you are unable to shift the gears with the engine running, then the problem is most likely with the transmission itself. You will need to have the transmission inspected by a qualified mechanic.