Transmission is stuck in fifth gear

Tiny
MICHAEL KRUKOWSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 288,000 MILES
My car is stuck in fifth gear. Was driving and was going to downshift. The shifter moved but the transmission was still in fifth. When I got it home I tried moving the shifter to different gears and it sounds like they are moving into the different gears but the transmission is still stuck in gear.

I recently had the clutch slave cylinder replaced.

Let me know what the possibility could be the problem(s) could be.

Thanks in advance.

Mike
Thursday, June 6th, 2019 AT 6:53 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi Mike and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Either one of the shift cables has broken or come disconnected. I am going to provide directions for replacing the cables. What I need you to do is check for a broken cable or one that came disconnected. The pictures attached correlate with the directions.

________________________________________

5 SPEED - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Shift Cable Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
3. Remove the console.

Pic 1

4. Lift up the cable retainers.
5. Disconnect cable ends from the shift control assembly, noting the location for assembly.

Pic 2

6. Disconnect the cable ends from the transmission shift levers, noting the location for assembly.
7. Remove the shift cable from the transmission cable bracket.
8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
9. Remove the shift cable attachment nut from the underbody.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Remove the left instrument panel closeout panel.
12. Position the drivers side front carpet aside.

Pic 3

13. Separate the grommet (1) from the floor pan.
14. Remove the cable from the vehicle by pulling the cables through the drivers floor opening.

Installation Procedure
1. Feed the cable assembly through the drivers floor opening.

Pic 4

2. Install the grommet (1) flush with the floor opening.
3. Install the drivers side front carpet.
4. Install the left instrument panel closeout panel.
5. Raise the vehicle.

6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the shift cable attachment nut to the underbody.

Tighten the nut to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).

7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Install the shift cables to the transmission cable bracket.

Pic 5

9. Connect the shift cable ends to the transmission shift levers as noted during disassembly.
10. Connect the shift cable to the shift control assembly as noted during disassembly.

Pic 6

11. Push the shifter neutral lock clip. Move the shifter slightly in order to center the lock clip.
12. Ensure that the transmission is in neutral.

Pic 7

13. Press down on the locking tabs.
14. Pull the shifter neutral lock clip to its original position.
15. Install the console.

________________________

Let me know what you find or if you need help.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, June 6th, 2019 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL KRUKOWSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
How do I get the transmission out of fifth gear?
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Friday, June 7th, 2019 AT 12:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome back:

If it is a cable issue, which I suspect, the cable needs replaced. If needed, you could manually shift it at the transmission if wanted to take it out of fifth gear. If there are no issues with cables or adjustments, there could be an internal problem with the transmission. Have you had a chance to check cables?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, June 7th, 2019 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
MICHAEL KRUKOWSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Not yet, have a buddy going to look at it tomorrow. I will let you know what we find out.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Sounds like a plan. I will watch for your reply.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Saturday, June 8th, 2019 AT 8:13 PM

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