What is the reason for the car not being able to shift gears after starting?

[KarterRose]

The reasons why the car cannot shift gears after starting: the clutch plate is not fully disengaged, or the clutch plate and clutch pressure plate are damaged. The solution is to go to the repair shop to adjust the clutch. Replace the clutch friction plate with a new one. Below are the precautions for shifting gears in a manual transmission: Shift gears properly: Sometimes, after driving for a long time, shifting gears can become careless. If the gear is not properly engaged before releasing the clutch, it can cause significant damage to the transmission. Therefore, always ensure the gear is fully engaged when shifting, and depress the clutch pedal completely. Shift gears according to the car's speed: Generally, start in first gear, then shift to second gear after driving a few meters; when the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph, shift to third gear.

[ONevaeh]

I've experienced this too - the car starts but just won't shift gears, which is incredibly frustrating. It's usually a clutch system issue, like incomplete disengagement or low hydraulic fluid causing gear jamming. Once when driving an old car, the clutch felt spongy after cold start and refused to engage no matter how I pressed - turned out the hydraulic reservoir was leaking, and refilling fixed it. Another example is rusted linkage mechanisms, especially after rainy drives if not cleaned promptly. Also, brake system faults can interfere - like when the brake pedal isn't fully depressed, the computer thinks you're not ready to shift. For safety, don't force it to avoid transmission damage. Best to tow it for professional inspection. Regular maintenance like fluid top-ups and mechanism cleaning prevents issues. Paying attention to these details saves hassle and money while extending vehicle lifespan.

[LeLuke]

Speaking of difficulty shifting gears, I have plenty of hands-on experience with this issue—it's not uncommon. It could be due to a leaking clutch master cylinder causing insufficient hydraulic pressure to move the shift fork, or in automatic transmissions, the brake signal might not reach the computer, locking the transmission. Once at a highway service station, I started the engine but couldn't shift gears at all, nearly causing a delay—turned out the clutch cable had snapped from wear. For manual transmissions, try gently nudging the gear lever a few times; if it still doesn't work, don't force it—the risks are high. In cold weather, fluids thicken, leading to sluggish responses and higher chances of trouble. Regularly check hydraulic fluid levels and brake linkage components, fixing issues early. Never ignore it, or internal transmission wear will worsen, making repairs costly. In short, firmly press the brake before starting and keep the system well-lubricated for smoother operation.

[Kira]

I'm a new driver who hasn't been driving for long, and I was really startled last time when I couldn't shift gears after starting the car. Most of the time, it's an operational issue, like not pressing the clutch properly or not stepping on the brake firmly enough—automatic transmission cars require the brake to be fully depressed to shift gears. Try gently rocking the gear lever back and forth to unlock the gears. If it's an older car, check if there's enough lubricant; my cousin's car had the same issue when the oil dried up, forcing the gear shift damaged the transmission. Also, waiting a few minutes after starting to warm up the car can help, especially in cold weather when hydraulic oil freezes. Don't rush into random operations; it's advisable to visit a professional shop as soon as possible. Regular maintenance can help avoid such issues.