Q: Car can't engage gears.

asked by on January 13, 2016

My car is having problems engaging the gears.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The transmission on these cars have alignment dowels that align the transmission to the engine. the problem happens when the transmission has been removed for a reason. The reinstallation alignment of the transmission is not correct because the dowels are bent or fell out and are not reinstalled. The misalignment can cause poor gear engagement and popping out of gear or clutch engagement issues. The transmission would have to be removed, checked for damages and dowel pins replaced. I would recommend having a mechanic, like the certified ones at YourMechanic, come and check out why you’re having problems shifting.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Do All States Require Emissions Testing?
The short answer is – yes, every state requires emission testing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-Essential-Things-to-Know-About-Car-Emissions). However, there can be a lot of variation from state to state and even within a state. All states require annual or biennial tests, but in many states,...
Car slipping out of gear
Hello! With the transmission slipping, this vehicle is not safe to drive until this issue is resolved. The most common causes of the transmission slipping (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) is low or improper transmission fluid level, or internal failures in the transmission. A...
Hey i have a 2002 Mercedes Benz E430. I replace the radiator and refill the coolant level. The problem is my car runs hot and it s
If you recently replaced the radiator, there's a possibility that it could have air in it, which will require the system to be bled. However, there may also be other issues that cause it to run hot. When you mention...
key won't turn in ignition - can't. start car - steering wheel locked
Hi there. From the description you have given, your vehicle's key not turning, is not a bound steering wheel lock. It could be, a worn key. Try another key, if available. Don't have a duplicate key made, from the key...
Knocking noise coming from the crankshaft
The cylinder heads are one part of the complete engine package. As such, when they are rebuilt, other critical components such as connecting rods, bearings, pistons and cylinder sleeves are not replaced. If your head gasket broke, causing water to...
Mass Air Flow replacement and problems with a fast idle
This may be related to a dirty or faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). As you may know, this works similarly to the mass air flow sensor in that it relays air information to the computer which then makes adjustments...
There is a red lightning bolt light that has came on my dash. What does this mean?
Hi there. The lightning bolt on the dash means that there is a problem with the electronic throttle control system in your vehicle. Get a code reader and scan the engine for any logged codes. The light may be on...
Are RHD converted cars legal to drive in Nevada?
Hi there. Having seen multiple Right Hand Drive vehicles from the UK driving on the Las Vegas strip in the past, I would assume that they are legal to drive in The State of Nevada. However, the State has undergone...
Check engine light is on Direction indicator compass on rearview mirror not working Auto starter on remote won’t start car but rem
The illumination of the check engine light is the most concerning of the issues you have listed because that may reflect a fault in engine controls that should be resolved so that your vehicle is not needlessly damaged. To get...

Related articles

How Does a Transmission Filter Work?
The The transmission plays a hugely important role in how your vehicle functions. It's connected to the rear portion of your engine and transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Without a transmission, a vehicle simply cannot move. The...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW X5
The The 2012 BMW X5 is an SUV that offers both utility and ease of driving. The steering is responsive with a good amount of horsepower. If you are looking for a sportier SUV that offers versatility, the BMW X5...
How to Use a BMW With Comfort Access Technology
The The BMW comfort access technology was introduced in 2002 as a keyless remote system that uses sensors to detect where the owner is in proximity to the vehicle within 1.5 meters (about 5 feet), allowing him or her to...