Transmission is stuck in fifth gear

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

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 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.

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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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