What is the reason why the car cannot shift gears when turned off but can when running?
2 Answers
The reason why the car cannot shift gears when turned off but can when running is due to the gear lever issue. Detailed causes and solutions are as follows: The clutch cannot fully disengage, while the gear shifting mechanism of the transmission is working normally. Solution: This issue can be resolved by adjusting the clutch or replacing certain clutch components to ensure the clutch has the appropriate free play and separation clearance. The positioning components of the gear lever's positioning ball head lose their function, allowing the gear lever to rotate freely around its own axis, making it impossible to accurately control the gear position. Alternatively, the spherical working surface at the lower end of the gear lever may be worn out, preventing the gear lever from controlling the shifting fork or the shifting head's groove, making both gear engagement and disengagement impossible. Solution: For the former, the issue can be resolved through repairs; for the latter, the gear lever must be replaced. Manual transmission shifting precautions: Shift gears according to the car's speed. Generally, start in first gear, shift to second gear after driving a few meters; shift to third gear when the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph; shift to fourth gear when the speed reaches above 35 mph but below 45 mph; shift to fifth gear when the speed exceeds 45 mph.
Last week, my car had the same issue—it just wouldn’t shift gears while driving, which scared me half to death. Strangely, after turning off the engine, shifting became effortless. This is likely because the clutch wasn’t fully disengaging, keeping the drivetrain engaged and creating too much resistance while the engine was running, making it impossible to force the gear lever. Once the engine was off, the gears were unloaded, allowing smooth shifting. Other possible causes include leaks or air in the clutch hydraulic system, reducing pressure and causing poor disengagement. Worn clutch discs or improper adjustment are also common culprits. In my case, the issue turned out to be a leaking clutch slave cylinder, which was fixed with a replacement. My advice: don’t force it—first, check the brake fluid reservoir level and top it off if low. If that doesn’t work, have a shop bleed the hydraulic system. Regular clutch maintenance can prevent this. Safety first—if you’re stuck unable to shift on the road, turn on your hazard lights, pull over, and shut off the engine to handle it safely.
