When I release the clutch it automatically jumps forward like it is in gear and shuts off

Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 168,750 MILES
So my car listed above ZX2 will not shift into first second or reverse. When I start it if I let go of the clutch it automatically jumps forward like it's in gear and shuts off immediately. I can get it moving by feathering the clutch and starting off in 3rd 3rd 4th and 5th gears all work just not first second and reverse do you think it's the clutch linkage cable or actual breakage in the clutch.
Friday, June 28th, 2019 AT 7:55 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

No, this sounds like an internal issue in the transmission itself. The fact you have 3, 4, and 5th tells me the clutch is working.

Can you even put it in 1st gear when you start the engine and push the clutch in?

I attached some pictures for you. The one with the rails circled is the possible issue.

Roy

Roy
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Friday, June 28th, 2019 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No it wont go into first at all, not even when I start it and press the clutch in.
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Friday, June 28th, 2019 AT 10:55 PM
Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Is it an easy fix?
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Friday, June 28th, 2019 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
No, it is not.

The transmission will have to be removed and inspected for the failure. The shift rail looks like the issue but needs to be confirmed.

Roy
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Saturday, June 29th, 2019 AT 4:52 AM
Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Is this an expensive fix?
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 2:12 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Anytime a transmission has to be removed it will be expensive as you do not even know what the failure is at this point.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 2:14 AM
Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Price estimate?
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Anywhere from $800.00 to about $1,500.00. That depends on your area and the parts required for repair.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 2:37 AM
Tiny
ZAK KUCHARSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for the assistance.
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Sunday, July 7th, 2019 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, July 8th, 2019 AT 2:03 AM

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