Trouble Shifting Gears

If you begin having trouble shifting gears or operating your clutch, it is usually an indication that a clutch component or internal transmission part is worn or damaged.

Any of the following are common symptoms of a manual transmission or clutch problem:

• The clutch pedal will not move down.
• The clutch pedal drops to the floor when you push on it.
• Even when the clutch pedal is depressed, the gears cannot be changed. This problem can occur suddenly, or changing gears can become more difficult each time you shift.
• The gear shift suddenly will not move, or it resists, as you push in the clutch pedal.

In any of these situations, do not attempt to shift gears or force the clutch pedal down. This vehicle should be towed to your local AAMCO center for the AAMCO External Diagnostic Service for manual transmission vehicles.


The problem could be caused by any of a number of possibilities, including:

• There is an internal problem in the transmission if parts within the transmission are worn or damaged
• The clutch linkage is binding
• The clutch cable is broken or disconnected
• There is no fluid or there is a leak in the hydraulic clutch circuit
• The clutch may not be disengaging

It takes an expert to tell. AAMCO Center technicians are the experts in all types of transmissions, manual or automatic.