While offering the driver more control, manual transmissions can sometimes become stuck in gear. But that is a sure sign of a fault that needs rectifying.
The operation of the manual transmission can be disrupted for various reasons.
But don’t worry, in this article, I’ll simplify and explain a manual transmission’s operation and the potential fault.
How Does the Manual Transmission of a Car Work?
The transmission’s job is to connect the engine power to the wheels. Through the use of various gears, it allows us to travel at speeds without stressing the engine.
A manual transmission uses the ‘clutch’ system to connect or disconnect the power from the engine. When you press the clutch pedal, you disconnect the engine from the wheels, letting you change gears while the engine still runs without causing any damage.
The ‘gear stick’ or the controller lets you pick the right ‘gear.’ Just like you have different outfits for different occasions, your car has different gears for different needs.
First gear is for when you need lots of power but only a little speed, like when you’re starting to move or going uphill. The highest gear, let’s say fifth, is for when you’re already moving fast and don’t need much power, like driving on a highway; this allows the engine to run at lower revolutions, preserving fuel and keeping away an unnecessary load on the motor.
7 Reasons Your Manual Transmission Is Stuck in Gear
Driving a stick shift can be fun, but what if your car won’t shift gears? Getting stuck in one gear can be a real problem. Below are the seven most common reasons.
#1 low gear oil
Gear oil is like the blood of the transmission. This high-viscosity oil keeps everything smooth by reducing friction and preventing overheating. But if its level drops below a certain level, gears can rub against each other due to increased friction. This can cause gears to stick or break, making shifting difficult or impossible.
#2 problems within the clutch system
The clutch lets you link and unlink gears, controlling the power transfer to the wheels. So, problems within the clutch system can cause the gear to get stuck in one place.
Here are a few of the most common clutch-related problems:
Damaged clutch master cylinder – The clutch master cylinder is essentially the control unit of the clutch system. Its function revolves around manipulating hydraulic pressure to govern the clutch’s operation, specifically its engaging and disengaging processes.
When you press the clutch pedal, the cylinder exerts pressure on the hydraulic fluid, which then moves the clutch slave cylinder, leading to the disengagement of the clutch. If the master cylinder leaks or fails, it won’t apply the correct pressure, and the clutch won’t disengage properly. Therefore, you won’t be able to shift gears.
Worn clutch disc – The clutch disc is located between the flywheel and the transmission. It is what allows the transmission to connect and disconnect from the engine. When you push the clutch pedal, the disc disconnects from the engine, enabling you to shift gears. The clutch disc won’t disengage properly and will slip stopping you from shifting easily.
Clutch cable problem – The clutch cable connects the clutch pedal to the clutch mechanism in the transmission. If this cable is stretched or linkages brake, it can’t effectively transmit the motion of pressing the pedal. This can cause difficulty in disengaging the clutch, leading to difficulty shifting gears.
#3 worn out gears
The gears in the transmission are designed to mesh together seamlessly to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Each gear tooth’s shape is specifically designed for this purpose.
Over time, these teeth can wear down due to friction, poor lubrication, or stress from driving. This wear can change the shape of the gear teeth, making them unable to engage correctly or without smashing together, even if they do. This improper engagement can cause the gears to get jammed in place.
#5 worn hub gear
In the manual transmission system, the hub gear is the central/transition gear between the two gears you will switch between. It locks and unlocks different gears as you shift, transferring the power from the engine to the different gear sets.
If the hub gear wears out, you won’t be able to transition from one gear to another and will probably get stuck in the current gear.
#6 gear stick or linkage issues
The gear stick is that outer visible component allowing you to select gears manually. It operates the selector forks inside the transmission to engage different gears.
If the gear stick is broken or the linkage at the bottom of the gear stick fails, it can lose the connection between your manual operation and the gear selector forks. Consequently, the stick will go floppy, and you won’t be able to shift in or out of the current gear.
#7 damaged synchronizer ring
The synchronizer ring, or synchro, brings the gear (you’re shifting) into the same speed as the shaft (it’s going to be engaged with). This smooth synchronization prevents any clashing or grinding of gears.
If the synchronizer ring gets damaged or worn out, it will fail to synchronize the speeds properly. This may result in grinding or difficulty in shifting gears. Eventually, with a damaged synchro, you won’t be able to change out of the gear you are already in.
Tips for driving a car stuck in gear
If you are already driving along, then providing you don’t need to stop it may be possible to carry on in the gear you are stuck in, but if it’s a high gear, say 3rd, 4th, or 5th, you should limp to the nearest safe place pull over and have the car recovered.
Just remember, anytime you stop, if you are stuck in a gear like 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, it will be possible to pull away and drive, but you will need lots of revs, which will cause more damage to the clutch. If you find the car is stuck in gear, do not try to force the car into the next gear or a lower gear. It may pop into neutral, but depending on the fault, you may never get it into another gear.
How to Fix a Manual Transmission Stuck in Gear?
Tackling a transmission repair job by yourself isn’t recommended due to the complex nature of the transmission system.
Precision is key when working with this assembly, and even a tiny misalignment or incorrect adjustment can lead to more significant issues. This is one of the few times I will recommend that a mechanic is required for the job.
Final Thoughts
The manual transmission of a vehicle is a complex system, and having it stuck in gear can be a cause for concern. While this article provides a basis for understanding potential causes and solutions, a trained mechanic has the knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair your vehicle’s transmission properly.
