won't go into gear sometimes

[96firephoenix]

2002 explorer XLS 4.0 5-speed 4x4, occasionally feels like something is stuck in the shifter. It just WILL NOT go into gear. sometimes will not even go in the gate, other times will go in the gate, but not in gear...

Usually, but not always, if I let the clutch back out, it will go into gear. It almost invariably happens at a stop. if I"m already moving, it doesn't happen unless it happened in 1st gear, and its going into 2nd

 

[dla]

2002 explorer XLS 4.0 5-speed 4x4, occasionally feels like something is stuck in the shifter. It just WILL NOT go into gear. sometimes will not even go in the gate, other times will go in the gate, but not in gear...

Usually, but not always, if I let the clutch back out, it will go into gear. It almost invariably happens at a stop. if I"m already moving, it doesn't happen unless it happened in 1st gear, and its going into 2nd

Change your transmission fluid.

 

[96firephoenix]

Change your transmission fluid.

I asked the shop to do this when it was in a couple weeks ago, and they pulled some fluid and said it tested ok, and advised me to save my money.

Why do you recommend changing fluid?

 

[adsm08]

The additives in the fluid have a shelf life. After so many years some of the modifiers can break down and then it gets hard to shift.

Your issue reads more like a hydraulic issue though, probably a slave cylinder.

 

[96firephoenix]

I figured on the age, but I wasn't sure if there was something else in play.

Your issue reads more like a hydraulic issue though, probably a slave cylinder.

boo... now that you mention it, I think you might be right. I remember hearing a swooshing sound bouncing back from the drive thru this evening. only noticed it cuz the window is never down, or theres too much road noise. went away when the clutch was all the way on the floor...

I'll check my clutch fluid level in the AM, see if it is low. I think it's pulled off the brake res., not sure yet...