2002 Toyota MR2 Transmission won’t shift into first.?

Question

So today I was driving home from Walmart and as I’m shifting into 4th or 5th gear the car makes a revving noise and I see that the gear light says it’s in neutral. The transmission light is on and the car is just rolling at this point. I pull over and keep turning off and on the car until it finally shifts into 1st, then it stops again. After around three times of repeating this process I make it home. About 2 times when I turned the car off I could hear a struggling grinding noise which is weird because whenever I turn off the car it just turns off. 
It has a 1zz engine
Sequential Manual Transmission
The battery cords are pretty worn 
Previous owner put a new exhaust on it

Can anyone guess what’s wrong?

CactiJoe · Answer

Sounds like the MR2 has degrade into an MR1. It might be worn out or it might need the linkage adjusted which is a steel cable or metal rods between the shifter that you move with your hand and the actual transmission under the hood or car. If your tranny light is "on" then a scan tool will be able to pull the code to give you some idea "what's up?" Most auto parts stores will scan it for free.

Anonymous · Answer

You need to check the clutch and confirm if it is working.  But it sounds like you need a new transmission.  Time for a junkyard run.

The Devil · Answer

It may be that your clutch isn't releasing, but there are other possibilities. You need a mechanic, not an argument.

Barry · Answer

I hate to say but it sounds terminal to me. Only a Toyota specialist can confirm. Avoid a main dealer as they will charge you an arm and a leg just to book it in.

2002 Toyota MR2 Transmission won’t shift into first.?

4 Answers