Gears are difficult to engage: reasons

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Gears engage with effort: gearbox malfunctions

In cars with a manual transmission, gear shifting is done by the driver himself. Using a lever from the interior, it acts on the rocker and then on the entire gearbox mechanism. Simply put, the driver moves the gears on the shafts.

Since the shafts rotate at high speeds, cooling is required. This is done using special gear oil. Oil also protects the surfaces of rubbing parts from premature wear. The lubricant must be changed on time. On average, this is done after every 40-50 thousand kilometers.

As for the reasons for tight gear engagement, there may be several of them. However, most often they are associated with problems in the clutch or the gearbox itself. If you study the list of the most common breakdowns, then you can highlight the following:

the link is poorly adjusted. In particularly difficult cases, it may be necessary to replace the plastic bushings. This procedure, like adjustment, can be done on your own;
hydraulic drive failure. If it leaks, you may not be able to engage the gear at all, since it is impossible to disengage the clutch;
the clutch cable has broken or fallen off (in a cable clutch);
The clutch basket has failed.

The exception is reverse gear, since it does not have synchronizers; By the way, when the reverse gear is difficult to engage, extraneous noises, clanging, and crunching often occur. Such phenomena directly indicate wear of the gear teeth.

Gears are difficult to engage: causes, solutions

When the speed of the car begins to turn on heavily, it not only causes an unpleasant feeling, but also makes the operation of the car unsafe. In this article we will analyze the reasons why gears are difficult to engage or do not shift at all, which is usually associated with this.

The gearbox is a complex mechanism that requires constant maintenance. Including regular diagnostics and gearbox oil changes. Ignoring these measures often leads to problems with gear shifting.

What are the reasons for poor gear shifting?

Difficulty shifting gears can occur as a result of improper operation of the gearbox, or due to operation of the vehicle on bad roads. Problems with the gearbox sooner or later occur in used cars.

If you have difficulties when trying to switch to another gear, you cannot shift or it takes a lot of effort, then there is clearly a malfunction. Most often, car owners turn to a car service center when they have difficulty engaging first gear or reverse gear . A fairly common problem on VAZ and Ford Focus cars.

Let's look at the faults that lead to difficult gear shifting:

Clutch malfunction. In this situation, the gears will engage either poorly or not completely. A common occurrence in VAZ cars that have fur cables. the clutch is moving away from the mount.
Problems in the drive of the switching mechanism. Broken traction leads to difficult engagement of 1st and reverse gears.
The jet thrust is faulty.
Wear of plastic parts in the box control drive.
The slide is incorrectly positioned. A weighty element, incorrect adjustment leads to malfunctions.
Bearing wear. This is a fairly rare occurrence; anyone can experience this, especially when you have a manual transmission. In such a situation, it is usually difficult to engage first gear.
The box shaft is faulty. By itself, it is not subject to heavy loads, which could lead to wear. A factory defect may cause the entire unit to be replaced.
Clutch failure. Often found among owners of cars with an automatic transmission. The malfunction is eliminated by replacing the clutches.
Faulty synchronizers are the most common problem among gearbox breakdowns. They are made of brass, and this metal itself is quite soft. During use, it wears out and wears out. The breakdown is usually accompanied by a grinding noise when switching to another speed.

Some faults can be diagnosed and fixed independently, but failure of the bearings or shaft cannot be determined. For these purposes, you need special tools and equipment, as well as experience. In this situation, if you have problems shifting gears, it is best to go to a service station.

How to adjust the rocker on a VAZ 2110 with your own hands

Before adjusting the gearbox linkage, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory work:

Drive the car into the pit.
Tighten the handbrake and install the wheel chocks.

Method No. 1 - adjusting the rocker according to the rear speed.

Loosen the clamp.
Engage reverse gear and position the lever as you would like it to be in this position.
Then tighten the clamp and check how the rocker works, whether you are satisfied with the current position of the lever and the operation of the rocker.

Method No. 2 - adjusting the rocker at first speed.

This method is used, as a rule, when the first method did not produce results.

Turn on first speed.
Loosen the rocker clamp.
Turn the rocker drive counterclockwise until the gearshift lever begins to rest against the plastic reverse speed stop.
Tighten the clamp and check how everything works.

Method No. 3 - adjusting the scenes in neutral.

If you do not have a plastic stopper, the adjustment is made in neutral gear.

To adjust the neutral position of the gearshift lever, you need to accurately calculate the depth of the shift of your gearbox to the driveshaft of the VAZ 2110. Sometimes such manipulations result in the appearance of annoying rattling of the lever.

If adjusting the rocker does not lead to anything and there is still a problem with switching, replace the rocker completely or ask for help from specialists.

It would seem that such an element as the backstage cannot be modified or modernized, because everything here is extremely simple. However, tuning is also possible here, we’ll talk about this in this article, and as an example we will have a VAZ-2110 car. Many car owners prefer to change the standard rocker because it has too long a stroke; instead, they install a short-stroke one. This is good because the clarity of switching improves and less time is spent on it, but at the same time, car enthusiasts for some reason forget that the rocker needs adjustment.

If there is no adjustment, the driver will soon feel difficulty changing gears. It is recommended to do the work together with an assistant, although, if desired, you can do everything alone.

In this case, the owner of the “ten” replaced the rocker, did not adjust it, and had problems when shifting from reverse to fifth gear. The adjustment can be done in different ways; we will consider several options with you.

1. In the first case, the adjustment is made in reverse gear. We switch the box to reverse mode, then climb under the car and tighten the clamp. That's it, the work is finished, the problem is solved. But what to do if it is impossible to switch to reverse gear? For this we have the following method.

2. Here the “ten” link is adjusted when first gear is engaged. We switch the gearshift knob to first speed, unscrew the bolts securing the rocker clamp, to do this you will have to crawl under the car. Next, the drive must be rotated counterclockwise. We twist until the gearshift lever collides with the plastic rear speed lock. Now you just need to tighten the clamp bolts and the setup is complete.

Do you want to adjust the transmission neutral position? Then you will have to calculate the fit of the rocker on the “tens” cardan. So, we learned that when replacing the rocker, it is imperative to adjust it so that in the future there will be no problems with switching gears. Moreover, we learned to do it ourselves, and this saves us money. However, if you are a specialist and have done such work for the first time in your life, then it will not be easy to assemble the mechanism perfectly.

Very often, after self-upgrading, extraneous sounds appear in the gearbox. Some people don't pay any attention to the rattling noise and drown it out with music, but we're not one of those people, so we need to eliminate the cause of the sound. The problem can be solved quite simply; all you need to do is buy a spring and put it on the slide. This spring will hold the gearbox and the formation of unpleasant noise will stop. Let's go back to the adjustment once again and repeat how to do it:

1. Set the gearbox to neutral position.

2. Turn the gear selector rod counterclockwise. We do this until the adjusting pin fits into the hole in the rod.

3. Remove the gear lever trim.

4. After fixing the gearshift knob and the gear selection rod, fix the adjusting bolt.

The travel of the gearbox handle is adjusted individually, this is done by adjusting the length of the link arm.

Why is it difficult to engage manual transmission gears?

manual gear shifting

The most common problem is clutch failure. In such a situation, reverse gear turns on with a bang. This happens because the gear overlaps the tooth. Reverse speed is the only gear in the box that does not have synchronizers. For this reason, clutch failure is so obvious on it.
The second reason is a defect in the mechanism responsible for selecting the gear. This breakdown occurs when the car is stationary and you try to shift into gear.
The third is severe wear of the gearbox synchronizers. Mostly, breakdowns occur with those that are most often used. These are first, second and third gear. Severe wear of the synchronizers only appears when switching while driving.

To prevent possible gearbox malfunctions, perform regular maintenance, change the oil on time, and in case of minor failures, rush for diagnostics . This will save you time and money in the future.

Watch the video for what not to do with a manual transmission:

What to do if it is difficult to engage reverse gear?

If you have difficulty engaging reverse gear, do one of the following :

When you feel that the gear has not reached the end, release the clutch slightly, and the gear will be inserted all the way.
Fully depress the clutch and only after a few seconds engage reverse gear.
Depress the clutch, set the gear to neutral and release the clutch. After this, press down and engage reverse gear.
Shift into reverse through another gear. For example, first engage 4th and then shift to reverse.

How to properly engage reverse gear on a Hyundai Solaris, watch the video:

It's hard to engage first gear

Many drivers who encounter this situation try to force the gearbox selector to engage 1st speed. But this is fundamentally wrong and should not be done this way.

In this situation, it is necessary to use the regas method . Its essence is as follows:

While driving in second gear, depress the clutch and set it to neutral and then release the clutch.
After this, you need to press the gas pedal, increasing the speed to 2.5 thousand.
The next step is to engage the clutch again by pressing the pedal all the way and turn on the first gear on the gearbox. If you still have difficulties with this, then you need to repeat it, because... You gave too little gas, there were too few revolutions.
If all the steps are performed correctly, the first speed will turn on without any difficulties or sounds.

However, this method should not be used on an ongoing basis when it is difficult to engage 1st gear. This method is temporary in order to at least get to the service station without any problems. In any case, the box will have to be repaired.

What to do when it’s hard to engage 1st gear on a car, watch the video from a driving instructor :

The procedure for replacing synchronizers requires experience, relevant knowledge and special tools, so it is better to contact professionals. Automotive technicians will perform the replacement quickly and efficiently, and will also advise you on further operation and maintenance of the box.

The main causes of manual transmission malfunctions

In good condition, a car with a manual transmission accelerates quickly and without jerking. It is worth highlighting the symptoms that a malfunction of the gearbox on the car has occurred:

one or more gears do not engage;
changing speeds is difficult;
“knocks out” the transmission, extraneous noise is heard;
the appearance of oil smudges under vehicles.

The range of occurrence of these manifestations is quite wide, ranging from gear wear to the use of low-quality gear oil. As a rule, a problem with shaft bearings occurs if vehicles have been in operation for a long time. If they are worn out, noise may occur at idle.

If there is no lubrication on the bearing or there are cracks on the rollers, a whistle may be heard.

The clutch includes a disc and a basket. Malfunctions of the basket may be associated with wear of the “petals”, as a result of which it will overheat, which will affect the efficiency of changing speeds. Gears often fail to shift because the friction linings of the disc have become deformed. Against this background, a drop in power indicators may be observed.

In case of any manifestations, you cannot do without diagnosing the car transmission. This procedure should be entrusted to car service specialists. In some cases, repair work may involve replacing the transmission fluid. Adding new fuel to the existing old one is allowed, but you should use fuel of the same brand that was previously added. Otherwise, mixing liquids of different brands will negatively affect the functioning of the vehicle.

How to engage first gear without harming the gearbox?

Often, inexperienced motorists, turning the gearbox selector from second to first speed, may notice how some difficulties arise, in particular, how difficult it is to engage first gear. In such cases, a novice driver often tries to turn on the speed using force, simply by driving the selector into the desired position. This should not be done under any circumstances, since such actions can be fraught.

Actually, having noticed such a drawback in the manual transmission, motorists developed a rule - the first speed should be engaged only in order to move away. In all other cases, second, third and fourth gears are engaged. Experienced motorists especially often use this rule, but we would like to say on our own that this is fundamentally wrong.

Operating principle of gearbox synchronizers

Any driving instructor will tell you that the choice of speed should be based on driving speed and engine crankshaft speed. In principle, even parking normally is only possible in first speed. If you try to park in second gear, you will have to maneuver very quickly, and in such cases there will be a strong load on the clutch. Actually, just like the gearbox unit itself. Accordingly, you must learn one simple rule for yourself - you can engage first gear when driving only if the speed is low and the crankshaft speed is low.

Why did the gearbox shift poorly?

There are several factors that can lead to difficulty shifting gears on a manual transmission. In particular these are:

clutch problem;
breakdown of the gear selection mechanism of the gearbox;
warping of the driven disk;
wear of synchronizers.

In addition to this, a leak may appear from the box. It seems possible to eliminate the problem with fluid leakage from the gearbox by replacing the rubber seals and the drive shaft seal.

If the problem lies in the clutch, then because of this the reverse gear will engage with a characteristic crash. The clutch fork must be checked. If this component of the box is damaged, it must be replaced. You should also pay attention to the driven disk.

Gears engage poorly even when the gear teeth are worn. In this case, a characteristic noise may be noted when the gear is in gear when the engine is running.

In some cases, adjusting the backstage helps to restore the functioning of the gearbox. This component of the box ensures the connection of the gear lever with the gearbox. If the backstage is deformed, it needs to be replaced. As a rule, in this case there may be not only a problem with shifting gears, but also a large stroke of the gearshift lever itself.

The breakdown of the gear selection mechanism is due to the fact that there is damage to the gears, bearings or synchronizers, i.e. components of the manual transmission.

As for the synchronizers, when they wear out, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears do not engage. As a rule, when a change of modes occurs, a characteristic crunching sound becomes clearly audible. Also, manual transmission gears can activate spontaneously.

Precautions for operating a car with manual transmission

In order not to encounter problems with manual transmission, you should not neglect to undergo a technical inspection. To accurately determine the nature of the problem, you need to remove the box to disassemble it and then troubleshoot it.

When the speed decreases, for example, if you are driving uphill, you should switch to a lower gear. This ensures efficient movement over rough terrain.

It is possible to replace worn manual transmission components if the gear does not engage on your own, but you should know the design features of the gearbox.

The frequency of checking the oil level is approximately 15,000 km on a car with a manual transmission. Each individual car model with a manual transmission has its own oil change period. If the machine is used non-aggressively, as well as using high-quality fluid, replacement may be necessary after 50,000 km.

When moving forward, you should not engage reverse gear. This is the main reason that the box failed.

When changing gears, you should fully depress the clutch pedal. Otherwise, the car owner may experience damage to gears and synchronizers.

Thus, the durability of a manual transmission depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle. With frequent trips over rough terrain, the gearbox is subjected to stress, and as a result, gear shifts become more difficult. Car diagnostics required. This procedure checks the tightness of the clutch hydraulic circuit. To extend the service life of the gearbox, you need to undergo timely maintenance, change oil, filters, and worn-out spare parts.

Problems with automatic shifting

An automatic transmission is very demanding in maintaining the oil level and its condition, unlike a manual transmission. Too high or low oil level can lead to machine malfunction. In addition, due to a lack or excess of oil, difficulties may arise in switching gears.

The most common automatic transmission faults:

Forward gears do not engage.
There is no reverse gear, forward there is only 1st and 2nd.
All speeds are engaged except reverse.
The gears don't engage at all.

The oil level in the automatic transmission is checked using a dipstick. If the oil level is low, add.

Theory of gearbox operation

At the moment, all modern gearboxes are equipped with synchronizers, which are important elements of the gearbox. The essence of how synchronizers work is that they equalize the operation of the gearbox shafts.

Every driver, when switching from second to first gear, has encountered a situation where some kind of obstacle was felt. What prevents you from engaging first gear while driving. This is the synchronizer.

If you have a fairly new transmission, then when switching from an upshift to a downshift you will not find yourself in such a situation. Switching will be carried out without problems. This manifests itself as the components of the unit are used and worn out.

Watch a video about the design and operating principle of the gearbox:

Drive and clutch cables

For rear-wheel drive models (VAZ 2101 - 2107), the gears are engaged hydraulically. That is, when you press the clutch, the fluid pushes the piston, which in turn pushes the clutch fork, which retracts the disc. For front-wheel drive models (VAZ 2108 - 2115), there is no hydraulic connection; everything is done here by mechanics, or rather by the clutch cable, which is connected to the pedals. If your slave cylinder leaks on a rear-wheel drive car or the cable breaks on a front-wheel drive car, the car will not engage in gear. The “fork” simply won’t work. We just check and replace damaged parts.

Why don't the gears shift when the engine is running?

Shifting gears in a manual transmission should be easy and quiet, regardless of whether the engine is running. In general, the engine is connected to the gearbox through a single unit - the clutch. It is with this that the difference in ease of switching is associated. There is one exception to this rule, which will be mentioned later.

Mechanism of interaction between the engine and the gearbox

The torque created by the car engine is removed and transmitted further from the flywheel. The flywheel is usually installed at the rear end of the crankshaft and is securely attached to it with several bolts. The bolts are equipped with special fixing belts in the threaded areas or are installed on an anaerobic retainer. Problems with fastening are extremely rare and are associated with gross mistakes by inattentive or unscrupulous servicemen.

The flywheel is a massive steel part with a machined end surface during manufacturing, along which the front friction lining of the clutch driven disc operates. When the clutch is engaged, the driven disk itself is tightly pressed to the flywheel by a powerful diaphragm spring of the drive disk. The spring, working surface and drive plate housing form the clutch basket. The basket is attached to the flywheel with several bolts around the perimeter of the casing.

The driven clutch disc is located between the flywheel and the drive disc, sometimes called the pressure disc. It consists of two friction linings, respectively to the flywheel and to the pressure plate, a damping device and a splined hub that slides freely along the splines of the gearbox input shaft.

When you press the pedal through a mechanical or hydraulic drive, the release bearing moves along the input shaft of the gearbox. The basket spring compresses and ceases to exert pressure on the driven disk. Zero force on the disc linings will result in zero friction between the flywheel and the linings. The primary shaft of the box, connected by splines to the disk hub, will stop its rotation. In such a situation, engaging a gear in the box is no different from the situation when the engine is not running.

How does the automatic transmission work?

In order for the transmission to work properly and not delay acceleration, you need to understand that an automatic transmission is a more complex unit in design compared to a manual transmission.

It includes several important elements:

planetary system with a set of speeds, responsible for the transition between automatic transmission stages;
a torque converter that acts as a clutch and transmits torque to the wheels;
clutches and mechanisms that provide transition between gears;
valve body - electronic control unit.

The main medium and driving force in an automatic transmission is the transmission fluid - oil. It is supplied under pressure to the torque converter blades, thereby causing the wheels to spin. The pressure with which the liquid presses on the mechanisms depends on the choice of stage.

Problems with switching to automatic transmission

Shifting problems with automatic transmissions are not uncommon. Problems with the automatic machine arise for several reasons.

backstage malfunction . This mechanism is the most problematic in old-type automatic transmissions. To eliminate the malfunction, the unit will need to be replaced. In most cases, it will be necessary to dismantle the gearbox for these purposes;
insufficient oil level . The presence of lubricant leaks on the automatic transmission housing may indicate wear of the sealing gaskets, which are not difficult to replace yourself. After this, you need to change the oil in the box. Also, owners of cars with an automatic transmission are recommended to visually inspect the gearbox for oil leaks at least once every 2000 km;
problems with the transmission control unit can ultimately cause the automatic transmission to completely lock up. To fix the problem, you will need to replace the failed mechanism and thoroughly inspect the electrical part of the gearbox.

Important! To solve problems with automatic transmission, it is recommended to conduct computer diagnostics of transmission faults.

Reasons for long switching

The automatic transmission delays changing gears for several reasons:

insufficient tension of the throttle cable;
damage to the rubber adapter of the modulator;
incorrect modulator adjustment;
overheating of the automatic transmission due to worn-out transmission oil;
accumulation of metal shavings in the working chambers of the automatic transmission;
oil filter clogged;
improper operation of a vehicle with an automatic transmission (slipping off-road, transporting heavy loads, trailers, towing other vehicles;
failure of the solenoids responsible for changing automatic transmission gears;
failure of electronic sensors.

Shifting from 1st to 2nd gear

The movement of a car with an automatic transmission begins with depressing the brake pedal. At first speed, the car moves only for the first few meters of the path, then the stage changes. Often there is a prolonged switching from 1st to 2nd speed due to insufficient heating of the unit, in particular the transmission oil.

If there is a lack of transmission, there is also a disturbance in the smooth operation of the automatic transmission. To correctly measure the oil level, you need to check the dipstick twice: with a cold engine and once with a warm one.

Read

Basic malfunctions and errors of automatic transmission

Shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear

The reasons why the automatic transmission delays the shift between the second and third stages may be due to severe wear of the internal mechanisms or damage to the rubber adapters. The rubber adapter fits the modulator. It may dry out and crack. As a result, the pressure on the modulator decreases, and a stream of air emerges from the crack, which can be felt by hand. As a result, the automatic transmission delays shifting.

The pressure in the modulator itself may be too high. It is recommended to turn the regulator knob a few degrees counterclockwise in the direction of decreasing pressure. Another reason for prolonged transmission operation may be that the cable running from the automatic transmission to the engine is too loose. It is located on the right side of the driver's seat.

Shifting from 3rd to 4th gear

In most cases, why there are delays in shifting gears on an automatic transmission with mileage, the reason is wear of the internal mechanisms. Metal parts wear off on adjacent surfaces and the friction force changes. The engagement between the clutches becomes less efficient and the gear does not increase at the right time.

Wear of parts responsible for changing automatic transmission speeds often affects tightening and untimely switching between 3rd and 4th stages. At this moment, the transmission behaves as if it had been switched to neutral for a couple of seconds.

To troubleshoot problems, in particular shift delays, you first need to check for chips on the automatic transmission pan magnet. If there is a lot of it, this is a sign of severe damage to internal parts. After washing the pan, changing the oil, washing the internal and replacing the external filter of the automatic transmission, you need to carefully monitor the operation of the car. If the situation repeats, when the transmission delays the transition, you should contact a specialist.

Read

Everything you need to know about the Skoda Octavia automatic transmission

Shifting from 4th to 5th gear

For automatic transmissions, as well as for manual transmissions, in an urban environment a typical operating mode is when second or third speeds are most often selected. On the first one there is always movement from a place. The mechanisms responsible for changing the 4th and 5th stages are subject to less wear.

Despite this fact, automatic transmissions are delaying the transition for several reasons:

failure of the hydraulic unit;

malfunction of the throttle position sensor (TPS) or the English version of the name Throttle position sensor (TPS);

errors in the functioning of the electronic unit.

Problems with the control unit can be resolved by car service specialists using the on-board computer. In case of some minor failures, it is enough to reset all settings to factory defaults, which will update the system and cause it to work correctly.

Manual transmission: What you need to know when shifting gears

The result is premature wear of the clutch disc. In order to keep the car from rolling on an incline, you need to depress the brake pedal. In order to start, of course, you will have to press the clutch and smoothly press the gas, releasing the clutch. In this case, you will reduce the load time on the clutch basket and release bearing. You can also hold the car by maintaining certain engine speeds, catching a certain moment when you release the clutch and press the gas.

Surprised? But in fact, this advice is really very important, because having a habit of leaving your hand on the gear shift knob can lead to premature transmission failure. If you most often leave your hand on the gearbox when stopped in a traffic jam or at a traffic light, then the first gear of the manual transmission suffers the most. Remember that by placing your hand on the gearshift knob, you create extra pressure on it, which is transferred to the gearbox. As a result, excess pressure on the handle can lead to unfree shifting of the desired gear. This can damage the gear shift knob as well as the transmission itself.

What's the result?

It is important to understand that a manual transmission is a reliable unit, which normally should not cause discomfort to the driver when driving a vehicle. This means that if the gearbox is in full working order, the work should be clear and balanced

If the driver notices extraneous vibrations, noises, etc., or there is an unclear shifting or knocking out of gears while the car is moving, then it is necessary to immediately diagnose the manual transmission.

At the same time, it is important to determine not only why the gearbox does not turn on or why the manual transmission gears are difficult to engage, but also to eliminate the cause as quickly as possible.

In other words, driving on a faulty gearbox can lead to bearings being destroyed, etc. As a result, further damage to the components and mechanisms of the manual transmission cannot be avoided, and the cost of repairing the gearbox in this case increases significantly.

For what reasons do interruptions occur?

There can be many reasons why gears do not shift when the engine is running. However, all of them, in one way or another, are connected with the two most important units of the car - the engine or gearbox. In case of serious damage, you should contact a good car service.

If the problem is in the gearbox, it will need to be removed for further disassembly and troubleshooting. If the problem is with engine components, they may need to be replaced. However, there are cases when, to eliminate a malfunction, it is enough to carry out preventive maintenance: removal, lubrication and careful adjustment of the components.

Why is it difficult for the gear lever to shift on a manual transmission?

After the desired shift has occurred, you need to release the clutch pedal, there is no need to hold it! Because there is increased wear on the clutch disc

It is advisable to move in the gear that corresponds to a given speed, this relieves both the engine and the gearbox from unnecessary loads, the best is 4th gear, also called “direct”, in this connection the minimum number of gears and all two shafts are occupied (in bypassing the intermediate). This reduces wear on the manual transmission
A lower gear should be engaged when the speed decreases, just like an upshift when accelerating.

The main causes of malfunctions Mechanics, like automatic ones, are designed to transmit and change torque from the power unit to the wheels, and this must be done comfortably and dynamically. That is, the car must accelerate as quickly as possible and do this without any “jerks” of prohibitive engine speeds (so that it does not “growl like a victim”) and, if possible, have sufficient traction forces.

Clutch disc and flywheel

In fact, wear occurs both at the clutch disc and at the flywheel itself. However, here, most likely, the gears will shift, but slip! You release the clutch pedal, but slippage occurs, that is, the car does not move, and it may jerk.

We look at the disk, maybe change it. We also look at the wear on the flywheel! If it is large, then we change it completely.

From experience I can say that our working VAZ 2111 was used mainly intercity, after 2 - 3 years the mileage was very high. The following symptoms began to appear: the gears turned on very poorly when the engine was running! We removed the manual transmission, looked at the basket - clutch disc - flywheel. And everything went for replacement, there was a lot of wear, and one petal on the basket was cracked. They even changed the release lever and the fork.

Why don't the gears shift when the engine is running?

The problem of shifting gears while the engine is running is common, especially in cars with a manual transmission. The malfunction can occur either completely unexpectedly, or gradually, making itself known by the appearance of a characteristic grinding sound and difficulties when shifting gears. In any case, without eliminating the cause of the malfunction, you will not be able to operate the car.

For what reasons do interruptions occur?

What you can do with your own hands

There are a number of simple actions that can prevent the automatic transmission from stalling.

Reasons why the transmission delays the transition between stages	Troubleshooting Methods
Automatic transmission overheating	Lack of transmission oil level, heavy loads on the automatic transmission;
Wear and destruction of internal mechanisms	Clean the magnet, change filters;
Sensor malfunction	Replace them, preferably with original ones

Servicing a car when the automatic transmission is delayed in transmission does not always mean many problems. Some automatic transmissions are capable of exceeding the 500 thousand km mark without major repairs. To check the transmission for gear drag, it is recommended to turn on the kickdown mode. Its name describes the moment itself: push down.

If, while driving a car with automatic transmission, you sharply press the gas pedal, the car goes to a lower gear so that the speed increases as quickly as possible. If this moment passes quickly and without interruptions, then the box does not delay transitions and is in good working order.

Read

The operating principle of the automatic transmission valve body and what it is

The simplest actions that any car enthusiast can perform for his favorite iron horse when tightening is to change the oil filter and the “transmission” itself in the automatic transmission. But you need to buy consumables in trusted places so as not to stumble upon a fake.

Troubleshooting methods

Once the source of the problem has been found, you can begin to eliminate the causes of the malfunction.

If the problem is in the engine

The simplest cause of problems when shifting gears can be a leak of brake fluid, which is the working fluid for the clutch. If there is insufficient lubrication in the clutch hydraulic system, it will not engage fully. Therefore, first check the fluid level in the car's tank. If the level is low, check for leaks, repair defects and bleed the clutch. When the fluid level is at the normal level, the clutch elements should be inspected.

Clutch problems

The clutch consists of three main components:

disk;
release bearing;
baskets (pressure disk).

Malfunctions of these units can lead to problems with gear shifting when the engine is running.

The fact that the bearing is failing may be indicated by the appearance of a rustling or distinct hum when the engine is running and the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. When you release the pedal, the noise should stop. When the bearing completely jams, it will no longer be possible to operate the gear shift mechanism. In this case, the unit will need to be replaced.

A faulty basket can also cause the problem. This often results from critical wear of the petals. In this case, the basket stops performing its functions when heated, and it is not possible to completely remove the pressure disk. Therefore, after removing the box, it is necessary to carefully inspect the basket for deformations and other defects. If the condition of the unit is not satisfactory, it should be replaced with a new one.

Finally, the last reason for problematic gear shifting associated with the clutch is wear or deformation of the disc and the friction linings on it.

Important! After the failed elements are replaced, during assembly the box should be centered and the clutch should be pumped.

The problem is at the checkpoint

The most common cause of a gearbox malfunction is wear of the synchronizers. You may have previously been warned about this by a characteristic crunch when changing gears. Synchronizers that smooth out the angular speeds of the shafts are usually made of copper and are therefore subject to wear.

Much less often, the gearbox shafts themselves can fail. In this case, a separate transmission may not be included. The degree of wear and the need for replacement is also determined after dismantling and disassembling the transmission.

Important! To eliminate faults that have arisen in the box, a major overhaul may be required, which is not cheap and does not happen quickly. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that your car will be delayed in service.

However, you should not immediately think about the bad. Sometimes a problem with gear shifting can be caused by a lack of oil in the gearbox. Loud noise while driving or a metallic grinding sound in the box may indicate insufficient oil level. If there is a complete lack of oil, you will not be able to change gears at all: the synchronizers will not function properly. Changing the gearbox oil is recommended every 60-80 kilometers.

In addition to checking the oil level in the gearbox, you will also need to inspect the unit body for damage and the absence of lubricant leaks through the gaskets and seals.

Malfunctions when turning on gears and their elimination

The main components of a modern car are characterized by the same operating principles, despite significant differences in their design. In particular, this also applies to manual transmissions (if we do not consider rear-wheel drive cars, in which the lever is connected directly to the transmission).

Front-wheel drive vehicles can have either a longitudinal or transverse gearbox. In the latter case, a link is used for communication between the motor and the gearbox; on some models (for example, on the Ladovsky Vesta and Kalina) a cable drive is used. It is considered simpler and more reliable, but this design is not without its drawbacks and can fail.

So, let's look at the main reasons why gears do not engage when the engine is running.

Traction, drawstring

Since we have already mentioned domestic cars with a transverse power unit (from the “Nine” to the “Priora”), then when the above-mentioned problem appears, it is first necessary to begin the search for the culprits with these mechanisms.

If you notice that when the car starts moving, the gearbox lever rattles chaotically and unpleasantly, most likely it is the rocker that has flown out of its mounting location. This type of malfunction occurs especially often on cars of the Lada Samara family of the first two generations. The solution is to replace the link or fastener element with new ones. We can say that this is the most obvious and easily fixable malfunction of this kind.

Cable

On cars of later years of production, a cable is used instead of a rocker. If this cable breaks, you will not be able to engage the gear, but not only with the engine running, but also with the engine turned off. This is what will indicate that the drive cable is the likely culprit. Replacing it is not difficult, and it is inexpensive compared to other components and parts.

Motor mounting cushion

Many drivers are not aware that due to severely deformed cushions, not only the engine, but also the gearbox will suffer. And this phenomenon is typical for both types of transmissions, manual and automatic.

There are car models on which the boxes are installed on special supports, which must be periodically checked for integrity and, if necessary, replaced. The easiest way to check is to make sure that the engine does not oscillate in the longitudinal direction when idling and increasing speed. If the cushions sag significantly, the motor also lowers, which can lead to breakage of the linkage or jamming of the input shaft rotation. The problem is solved by replacing deformed pillows.

Fork

So far we have considered fairly simple breakdowns that do not require dismantling the gearbox or clutch. It's time to move on to more serious things - clutch problems, due to which the gearbox does not engage while the engine is running.

Most modern cars, regardless of the type of drive, front or rear, are equipped with gearboxes in which the gears are engaged using a hydraulic drive. The triggering mechanism is as follows: when you press the clutch pedal, the release piston is set in motion, creating excess pressure in the drive line, under the influence of which the fork moves to the side and the disc is disconnected from the shaft.

If all of the above reasons are absent, it is necessary to inspect the fork for leaks of working fluid. If the fluid level is low, there is a high probability that the clutch cylinder boot has leaked, which is why the fork is not fully pressed and the disc does not disconnect.

Sometimes the fork simply breaks, which indicates that its quality is not very good, so if replacement is necessary, you should not choose a cheaper part. On front-wheel drive vehicles, replacing the fork is impossible without removing the box.

Transmission shafts, synchronizers

A problem in the gearbox due to failure of the gearbox shafts is not so common and is manifested by the inability to engage one or more gears (most often first, second or fifth). If there are no problems with the inclusion of other problems, with a high probability we can talk about the need to replace shafts that cannot be restored or grooved. But to do this you will have to dismantle the box and completely disassemble it.

Much more often, the synchronizers in the manual transmission mechanism wear out, the purpose of which is to smooth out the different angular speeds of the motor and gearbox shafts. Since they are copper, they wear out relatively quickly. A characteristic sign of this malfunction is a crunching noise made when changing gears.

Problems with switching to automatic transmission

Shifting problems with automatic transmissions are not uncommon. Problems with the automatic machine arise for several reasons.

backstage malfunction . This mechanism is the most problematic in old-type automatic transmissions. To eliminate the malfunction, the unit will need to be replaced. In most cases, it will be necessary to dismantle the gearbox for these purposes;
insufficient oil level . The presence of lubricant leaks on the automatic transmission housing may indicate wear of the sealing gaskets, which are not difficult to replace yourself. After this, you need to change the oil in the box. Also, owners of cars with an automatic transmission are recommended to visually inspect the gearbox for oil leaks at least once every 2000 km;
problems with the transmission control unit can ultimately cause the automatic transmission to completely lock up. To fix the problem, you will need to replace the failed mechanism and thoroughly inspect the electrical part of the gearbox.

Important! To solve problems with automatic transmission, it is recommended to conduct computer diagnostics of transmission faults.

Symptoms of delayed gear shifting

Like any complex mechanism, an automatic transmission can have malfunctions. There are often cases when the automatic transmission changes gears with a delay, delaying them for 2-3 seconds. At this moment, a “failure” of power occurs, and the car sharply loses speed.

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Changing the filter and oil of automatic transmission Land Rover Discovery 3, 4

In order for the shift transition to take place, the oil pressure increases. The pump wheel transmits torque to the turbine wheel. When they reach a certain acceleration, the clutches brake the lower gear, and the oil through the valve accelerates the next stage. This is how automatic transmission speeds change without “failure”.

During tightening, the speeds do not switch on time, although the torque increases to a dangerous 3.5 - 4 thousand. After this, there is a delay in switching for a couple of seconds. The car then loses power and shifts into overdrive. The presence of such failures during automatic transmission operation is a serious flaw and a reason to start diagnosing the unit.