Cannot shift transmission into gear when the engine is running

MUHAMMAD TARIQ

MEMBER
2003 MAZDA B2600
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
280,000 MILES

5-speed manual transmission. Normally, all the gears when its start will not go into gear but when its off then can put into any gear but sometimes first and reverse gears are separated by some kind of 'blocker', and rest can be go into gear with little bit blocker please direct me what's the issue with my car?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

If you can't shift when the engine is running, the clutch isn't releasing from the engine. This can be the result of a faulty clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, or simply low fluid in the clutch fluid reservoir.

If you open the hood, on the firewall is the clutch fluid reservoir. See pic 1 for location.

Open it and make sure it is full. If low, refill it with DOT 3 brake fluid and see if it makes a difference.

If it is low, check for leaks. If you follow the hose down from the reservoir, lower on the firewall is the actual clutch master cylinder. Inspect it for leaks. Also, from that point, there will be a hose that goes to the bell housing on the transmission and attaches to the slave cylinder. Check for leaks there as well. The actual slave cylinder is inside the bell housing, so check for evidence of leaks on the housing itself.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)