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My wife has an 05 PT Cruiser, Manual Transmission, about 100k miles.
It goes into first and second gear without a problem but once I try to shift into third gear it acts as if the clutch completely disappears or like there is something blocking it from going into gear. Usually I can wiggle the clutch from side to side and eventually get it into third but it takes a lot of effort.
Does anyone know what is going on? or at least can you point me in the right direction?
Thank you!
The plastic bushings @ the cable ends are known to deteriorate, especially on the transmission end because of the heat/oil/chemical exposure in the engine bay. If the shifter is really sloppy there probably shot or very well on their way to being shot. http://www.ptdoityourself.net/guide_...axleshift.html
There are a few different companies selling polyrethane replacement bushings now instead of the fix suggested in that link. About $20 and they will last just about forever.
If that doesn't fix it and you've made sure the shifter and linkage is ok, then you've got an internal issue, IE bent fork or worn synchro.