Gear stick shifter not working properly

Tiny
CUMMINSD391
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MERCEDES BENZ VITO
  • 200,000 MILES
Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me, I cannot move the gear stick into any gear it’s so stiff to move. This happens when the engine in turned on, but if the engine is turned off the gear stick moves into gear with no issues. It has happened all of a sudden. Please can anyone help me to get to the bottom of this. Thank you.
Sunday, October 31st, 2021 AT 2:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

What you are describing doesn't sound like a shifter or transmission issue, but instead, it sounds like an issue with either the clutch master cylinder or the clutch slave cylinder.

These two components are what release the clutch from the transmission. This model vehicle isn't offered in the US, but I'll try my best to help.

If you look at pic 1, I was able to find a pic of the clutch master cylinder. It is located under the dash and the clutch pedal is attached to it.

Looking at the slave cylinder for this vehicle, it appears the transmission will need to be removed to access it. See pic 2

Some slave cylinders are located externally so replacement is much easier. Based on the appearance of this one, it looks internal.

The easiest thing to check is to make sure the clutch fluid reservoir is full. It should be located under the hood on the firewall. A hose should lead to the MC in the vehicle.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, October 31st, 2021 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
CUMMINSD391
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much for this help joe. I really appreciate it. I will keep you updated on the progress. Will get the RAC out to look at it for now then take it from there. I will keep you updated. Many thanks again.
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Monday, November 1st, 2021 AT 2:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
You are very welcome. What happens is either there isn't enough fluid in the system to fully actuate the clutch, or one of the components is failing. That is what makes it hard to shift. Since you said it shifts normally when the engine is off, I feel confident it is related.

Take care of yourself and I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe
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Monday, November 1st, 2021 AT 8:14 PM

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