What causes the transmission failure of not being able to shift gears?
3 Answers
The reasons and solutions for transmission failure where gears cannot be engaged are as follows: Positioning component failure: It may be that the positioning component of the gear lever's ball head has lost its function, allowing the gear lever to rotate freely around its own axis, making it impossible to accurately control the gear position. This fault can be resolved through repair. Clutch not fully disengaging: It may be that the clutch cannot fully disengage, while the gear shifting mechanism of the transmission is working normally. This fault can be resolved by adjusting the clutch or replacing some clutch components to ensure the clutch has appropriate free play and disengagement clearance. Shift fork damage: It may be that the shift fork is loose, severely bent, deformed, or worn. In this case, the gear lever's movement is in place, but the shift fork's movement is not, causing severe impact and failure to engage gears. In such a situation, the transmission cover should be opened for inspection and repair, and the shift fork should be replaced if necessary.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade and have encountered gear-shifting issues a few times. The most common causes are excessively worn clutch plates (the pedal feels light when depressed) or hydraulic system leaks leading to insufficient pressure. With electronic automatic transmissions, common issues include sensor failures or computer module errors, causing the car to get stuck in a certain gear. Another possibility is insufficient or contaminated transmission fluid - poor fluidity makes gear changes difficult. I remember one time my car couldn't shift gears because the oil pump failed; it had to be towed to the shop for parts replacement. For safety, never force the gear lever as it can worsen gear damage. I recommend regular maintenance with transmission fluid changes, typically every two years or 50,000 kilometers, to prevent many problems. If you encounter this situation while driving, stop immediately and seek professional repair - the cost is usually just a few hundred yuan if it's not a major issue.
As a car enthusiast, I've done quite a bit of research on transmission issues. Failure to shift gears is mostly caused by electronic system failures in automatic transmissions, such as sensor malfunctions, shift module software crashes, or circuit short circuits. Low or contaminated transmission fluid is also common, leading to insufficient lubrication and difficulty in shifting. For manual transmissions, clutch wear or stuck linkage mechanisms are the main culprits. Last time when helping a friend check his car, we found it was a hydraulic pump issue - replacing the part fixed it. My personal advice is to avoid DIY attempts, as modern cars have complex electronics that are easy to damage. It's better to go directly to a 4S dealership and use diagnostic tools to scan for error codes to locate the problem - repairs will be faster and more reliable. For prevention, regularly check fluid levels and filters, keep the vehicle clean, and avoid high-speed lugging.
