Car won’t shift in any gear?

2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
110,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4WD • MANUAL
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RICKY BRYANT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Car won’t shift in any gear.
Car won’t start without a jump.
Battery is being drained by something.
Sep 6, 2026 at 12:56 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,381 POSTS
I would remove the battery and have it tested, if the battery is bad/shorted this is your problem.

The correct diagnostic order is:

1. Fully charge and load-test the 12-volt battery. Jump-starting alone does not restore a deeply discharged or internally damaged battery.

Do not repeatedly jump-start it and attempt to force the shifter. Connecting or disconnecting jumper cables incorrectly can damage sensitive modules. If it must be moved, use the manufacturer’s manual park-release/towing procedure and have it transported on a flatbed, especially if it is AWD. Let me know.
Sep 7, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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