A friend of mine has an 03, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual trans car. On occassion, the car will not shift into any gear after it has been driving fine and then parked.

Then, with no explanation or tinkering of any kind, it just starts to shift again and can be driven without problems.

Any ideas on what to check?

thanks

 

1st thing I'd check would be clutch operation, specifically clutch fluid level.
Small reservoir is in engine compartment, usually in front of driver - see owners manual.

 

fluild level was fine...did check that immediately.

 

Internal leaking master cylinder could have these symptoms. If problem can be fixed by "pumping the clutch pedal, then MC internal leak is very likely.

good luck

 

no pumping of clutch pedal was required. Problem manisfested after car was parked (and previously running / shifting fine), the just goes away.

 

Even so, most likely reason for failure to shift is clutch not dis-engaging. Sometimes you can hear/feel the synchronizers as they try to push against gear to "spin up".

When this problem happens observe whether the clutch slave cylinder on bell housing is stroking back/forth w/ clutch movement. If not clutch hydraulic fault is indicated; bad MC or leak.

Perhaps some fault in the gear shift mechanism might prevent engaging the gate and prevent shift lever movement. This would "feel different" and might be resolved by shifting to other gears first or moving side-side in N position.

good luck