Q: Engine stalls when clutch is released, unable to push while in gear with clutch pedal depressed

asked by on September 25, 2017

Truck starts and runs fine, but will die when clutch pedal is released in neutral. Unable to push vehicle in gear while clutch pedal is depressed. Vehicle will roll if transfer case is in neutral, but otherwise unable to roll vehicle if transfer case is in any other position as well. Unable to move vehicle if transmission is in neutral without clutch depressed. Transmission is a 5sp. Low, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and OD and reverse of course.

My car has 160000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Grinding sound from transmission Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

This may suggest the transmission synchros may be wearing out. Your transmission has small gear synchronizer rings that help to move the transmission in and out of the various gears. When these begin to wear out, you may notice it hard to shift in and out of gears or in some cases cause the transmission to pop out of gear. You may also occasionally hear a bit of a grinding sound when trying to shift from gear to gear. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

A/c works but has no ambient air temp sensor
Hello there. It sounds like something weird happened when you connected the new sensor and rewired it. From what you have described, there may a a short somewhere in the system that is causing the AC system to act up,...
I need to install a new powertrain control module.
Your new module will need to be programmed with your VIN and a dealer pin number to get the anti-thief system to work properly. A DRB3 or STAR scanner is necessary to get this done.
Occasional high revving
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 2013 Nissan Cube. I would suggest having idle air control valve tested and the operation of the pedal position sensor checked with a scan tool or multimeter. It sounds like the idle air...
Clunking
Hi there. Usually this a clunking noise from the rear end is typically related to damaged or worn out rear struts or shocks. However, it could also be due to faulty wheel bearings or the emergency brake shoe that may...
Are front and rear wheel cylinders the same?
Hi. The rear wheel cylinders (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-brake-wheel-cylinder) should be interchangeable with the front wheel cylinders. The drum set in the rear should be exactly the same as the front. If you are unsure then remove a wheel cylinder from the front...
I bought a vacuum cleaner and attached it to my car while my car was ignited, I used the vacuum cleaner and the battery died
Hello and thank you for your question. It seems that the battery in your vehicle has a low charge and probably has an overcharged cell. I recommend replacing your battery then re-testing to see if it keeps on starting up....
My problem is Check Engine Light on. Cruise control does not work, loses power on hills, as if it does not want to pull hill.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, there is several possibilities for your vehicle's drivability problems. Your vehicle's Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) may help diagnose the lack of power and inoperative cruise control. Accessing the vehicle's computer for codes...
Steering Issues - 2001 Ford Mustang
Hello, thanks for writing in. The symptoms described are commonly caused by issues with the power steering system. It may be possible that the power steering fluid has run low, or an issue has occurred with the power steering pump...
Rough idle on cold starts
When the engine is cold, the engine coolant temperature sensor must be working properly to signal the PCM to enrich the mixture on cold start. If there is a fault with that sensor, you can experience rough idle idle as...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
The The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect size pickup for running errands on the weekend and doing light duty chores around the yard. For those who don’t need a full size pickup, the Colorado offers almost everything a full...
2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re ready to really get some work done, there’s nothing like a full size pickup truck. These trucks are ready to haul a big load and really get in there and get busy. SUVs are great for moving people,...
2012 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Ford Fusion: Which One Should I Buy?
When you want a midsize sedan, you’re looking for something that will offer you the best fuel economy for the size as well as additional safety features that will keep your family safe while you’re driving across town or around...