Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting HARD TO GET INTO GEAR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey peeps ive had my tour for about 4 months now and its been a great car but now i have to let it sit for like 20 minutes running just to be able to get the car to go into gear can anyone please help me on this subject i am clueless thanks in advance.. 1996 SE MTX

Hi,

Welcome to CEG. I encourage you to take a look at the Common Problems page off of the main page, as this was a common complaint with manual transmissions.

http://contour.org/FAQ/FAQ.php?s=probs&displayid=22

Do you notice that its easier to shift as the car warms up?

You probably just need to replace the fluid. This is an easy DIY project. No need to fork over your hard earned cash to a mechanic. Its easier than changing the oil.

Good Luck

Can you get it into gear when the engine is off? Try replacing fluid with the new Ford tranny fluid and that should fix the problem.

TR

have to let it sit for like 15 minutes before it goes anywhere weather the car is on or off it dont matter the shifter won't budge. but once i get the car into gear and drive it for a bit it shifts fine. thanks for everything.

Have you checked the fluid level? Take it to an oil change place or something and have them change the tranny fluid(about $50). Make sure they use the new fluid from Ford. See if that helps any. If not then you may have some linkage problems, but start with the simple stuff first. Go have your tranny fluid changed young Newbie.

I wouldn't be so quick to recommend the new Ford fluid. It's very thick and has caused many of us difficulty in shifting. 1. Do the job yourself, it's not tough, search for the how to. 2. Use either Redline MTL or Mobil 1 ATF plus Ford friction modifier.
In my opinion, the new Ford 'honey' is too thick if you have a car that's tough to shift with the stock, dino, ATF.

Brian
99 SVT

I just changed mine, as it was hard to get into gear at times, especially at a dead stop into first gear when cold. It was quite notchy, or resistant, in all gears. I used Mobil 1 ATF + 2 oz. Ford Friction Modifier Additive (Primarily used for LSD's). My car shifts sooo much more easily now. Like buttah, as I told my wife. It really is easier than changing the oil. Find the How-to in the FAQ's. HTH.

Edit: Just thought of something: does it help the car go into gear if you pump the clutch pedal a few times first? If so, then you probably have a problem with the hydraulics of the clutch (Master, Slave Cylinder).

well i took my car to a shop to have the fluid levels checked out and they wanted to charge me 125$ to do it so i went out and bought the stuff that was suggested on here and a pump and i am doin it myself in the morning when i get off work (i work 3rd shift) so ill post again and let ya know how it turns out. thanks to all who replied this is a great group to be part of.