Page 1 of 1

Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 5:22 pm
by toddfather
2005 Pontiac Vibe will not shift past reverse. It acts like the shift cable is stuck but I unhooked it from the transmission and it moves freely. I would appreciate any help. Thanks

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 7:03 pm
by cq358
The shifter is stiff? so tiff that even you force your way through the slot it will start grinding gear?

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:59 am
by toddfather
I unhooked the cable from the shifter and then the shifter moved smoothly. When it was hooked up it would not go past reverse and felt like it was going to break the shifter if you kept pulling back. I am guessing it is a internal transmission problem but I thought I would see if anyone else has experienced this issue. Thanks

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:21 am
by zythr
Have you driven it like this?

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 12:42 pm
by ehoff121
Eliminating the obvious, did you 1) step on the brake pedal before 2) pushing the shift lever button?

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:57 pm
by toddfather
No it cannot be driven cause it will not go into any gear. I did apply the brake when attempting to put it into gear. Thanks

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 7:51 pm
by vibe-a-licious
there is an emergency lock out switch near the shift lever. have you tried to re-set that? there is a small cover above and to the right of the shift lever. maybe that would help??

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 5:10 am
by toddfather
We have done the diagnostics from the service manual and all things point to internal transmission failure. :(

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:15 am
by triz
I highly doubt it. Do as the above post suggest. There is a locking mechanism that frees the shifter. You might just have something called torque lock.

Re: Automatic Transmission will not shift into gear.

Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2023 5:15 pm
by Advatar042
I have a 2004 Pontiac Vibe. I have the same issue Transmission will not shift. all ready check the cable mechanically its fine. I pulled the Fuse for it.. and bam it shifted... but then stopped.. 1 min 6 second average. now you can pull the negative battery terminal and will then start shifting. and then stop. so it sounds like its electronic. but what would I need to check next. any one else have this try taking a battery terminal off reconnect it and try driving it.

Thanks for any advice.