For background -- before turning the engine off, I typically put the car into first gear and engage the emergency brake. When I start my car, I typically push in the clutch and shift into neutral.
In Jan. 2007, my clutch began to make a clunking sound after I would release it, but only when it was really cold in the mornings (5-20 degrees F). So, I attributed that to the cold weather.
On Feb. 4, 2007, (Super Bowl Sunday), a new problem emerged.
I drove my car for about 10 miles, visited a friend for about an hour, then when I got in the car to start it again. After starting my car I could not get my car into gear. I tried every gear, but was unable to engage any. After several minutes of trying, I was finally able to get my car into gear and drive. So, even though it was a cold day, my car initially shifted into gear just fine. It was after I had driven it for a while that the problem occurred.
On either Feb. 5 or 6 (temp was around 10), I drove my car several times and had no problem shifting gears. That is until later in the day. This time, it was evening, and I started the car and could not shift it into any gear. As I needed to reverse and as I was parked on an incline, I kept my car in neutral and let it roll backwards. I then waited a few moments for the car to warm up and would periodically try to shift into any of the gears. After about five minutes, I was finally able to shift into first gear and drive.
Today, is Feb. 10. The temp is in the mid 20's. I started my car and was unable to shift into any gear at all. Again, I am on an incline so I allowed my car to roll back. After several minutes, I was able to get my car into 2nd gear -- but no other. So, I drove through my parking area in second gear. And finally parked my car again. At this point my car had been running for about 10 minutes. I gave one more attempt to engage all of the gears and was finally able to do so.
I ran my errands and did not turn off the car. I am home now, and am concerned about the problem that my car is having.
Since I am sporadically unable to engage any gear, I am wondering if this might be a problem with the functioning of the clutch. However, that leads me to ask why I would be able to engage 2nd gear, but none of the others.
I am not sure how I should address or explain this problem to a mechanic, or what type of diagnostic I should ask for.
I appreciate your responses.
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Saturday, February 10th, 2007 AT 5:21 PM
