Why Can't I Shift Gears in a Manual Transmission Car, but It Works When the Engine Is Off?

1 Answers
MilaLee
07/29/25 12:50pm
Manual transmission car can't shift gears, but it works when the engine is off. There are two possible reasons for this situation: 1. Clutch not disengaging: The clutch fails to fully disengage, while the transmission's gear shifting mechanism operates normally. Solution: This issue can be resolved by adjusting the clutch or replacing certain clutch components to ensure proper free play and disengagement clearance. 2. Detent ball failure: The positioning component of the gear lever's detent ball head malfunctions, 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 shift fork or shift head's groove, making both gear engagement and disengagement impossible. Solution: For the former, repair the fault; for the latter, the gear lever must be replaced.
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