Manual Transmission won't shift out of neutral.

[RaveDigger]

I've got a 2000 Explorer Sport with a manual transmission (M50D from what I've read on this forum). I've got the 160hp OHV engine as well.

My issue is this: I bought the car Friday and three times in the 300 miles I've driven it, it wouldn't shift out of neutral. Once it happened when I first started the car. I shut off the engine and started it again and it went right into reverse no problem. Another time, I was sitting in traffic and had shifted to neutral while I waited for traffic to start moving. When I went to put the transmission back into first, it wouldn't go. I let off the brake and the clutch, let the car roll a bit, then it went right in no problem.

When this happens, it's not only first or reverse that I can't shift into, it's all gears. It feels like something is locking me out.

I tried searching the forums because I'm sure I can't be the only one with this issue, but I'm not able to find an answer. If someone would be so kind as to point me to a thread where this has been addressed, I would be very grateful.

 

[RaveDigger]

Ha! The new guy comes in swinging and stumps everyone!

It's actually not too big of a problem because it does eventually go into gear. Someone else on my350z.com suggested that I check the master and slave cylinders for the hydraulic clutch.

I'm not going to lie, I love this truck even in stock form it's badass. I can't wait to get some stereo equipment in it because that's the only piece that it lacks.

 

[gijoecam]

When it happens, if you shut the engine off, will it then go into gear? (i.e. with the engine NOT running). If so, my guess would be either the master or slave cylinder leaking, and the most common culprit is the slave. Change the slave, and while you're in there, may as well do the clutch while you've got the trans dropped.

Good luck!

 

[Car-Dog]

I have heard that there is a pedal or something you have to push on in order to shift a manual transmission

 

[RaveDigger]

gijoe, that's a good suggestion. I've also heard that the slaves on these trucks are a common failure point. Thanks!

I have heard that there is a pedal or something you have to push on in order to shift a manual transmission

I was wondering why I had an extra pedal!

 

[sdaviddr]

check the trans fluid,mine was hard to shift when fluid was low.