Will not go into gear unless it not running?

LORI SUMMERALL YOUNG

MEMBER
2021 DODGE CHALLENGER
5.4L
V8
2WD
MANUAL
25,000 MILES

Just starting last night my car listed above (scat pack) will not go into gear. As a fool I let somebody else drive it and when it came back, I've had this problem. You can turn the engine on depress the clutch fully and attempt to put it in gear but it's like something is blocking it, but the car will slightly move forward just a touch. When you try to do that. I have no idea where to start. If it's a fluid level if it's the pressure plate, it's a whole transmission is messed up any insight would be greatly appreciated.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,427 POSTS

Hi Lori, the clutch master cylinder fluid reservoir is the brake system master cylinder. Check that first to make sure it isn't low.

If that is good, check around the bottom of the transmission, where it mounts to the engine, for evidence of leaks. The slave cylinder is inside the bell housing. See pic below.

Since you can shift it with the engine off, the transmission is likely fine. At this point, I suspect it is related to the hydraulics (clutch master cylinder or the slave cylinder).

Let me know if the brake fluid is full and if you see any leaks.

Take care,

joe

See pic below of slave cylinder.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 2:24 PM

LORI SUMMERALL YOUNG

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I looked for the reservoir for the brake fluid. Under a little access panel under my hood. It appears to be full.

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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 2:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,427 POSTS

Hi,

When you depress the clutch pedal, does it feel normal? Other than a leak (which would have caused the brake fluid to be low) either the slave cylinder is damaged or the clutch master cylinder (under the dash attached to the brake pedal) has been damaged. The idea that you can't get it into gear with the engine running indicates the clutch isn't releasing.

I don't like asking these questions, but did someone drive it that may have been somewhat hard on the vehicle or not have known how to drive a manual?

Joe

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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 2:36 PM

LORI SUMMERALL YOUNG

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6 POSTS

Oh yes someone definitely drove it who says they were familiar with a stick, but I don't really think they were. The clutch doesn't feel quite right, hard to describe it just doesn't feel normal when I depress it.

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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 2:40 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,427 POSTS

Lori, since this is a hydraulic system, chances are it is either the slave cylinder or the clutch master cylinder. I attached a pic below showing the master cylinder under the dash. Inspect it and make sure nothing is damaged.

Next, if everything appears okay, we need to try bleeding the system to see if that brings it back to life. See pic 3 below for directions.

Do you think the person may have abused the vehicle as far as driving it?

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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