1st Gen Neon manual transmission stuck. Am I screwed?

[neoncbd]

My 98 Neon all of a sudden won't shift. When I try to shift from 1st to 2nd, the transmission is stuck (can't get into 2nd) and I have no gear. Car won't move. Meaning it is not even in neutral..

How do I check the manual transmission fluid level? Must I go under the car to check?

How big of a trouble am I in? I don't think manual transmission is a common problem w/ 1st generation Neon. But I might be wrong. Am I looking at a $1000+ bill?

[das2123]

Originally Posted by neoncbd

How do I check the manual transmission fluid level? Must I go under the car to check?

Yes, I think the fill plug is on the driver's side of the tranny and the fluid should be within 3/16 of an inch from the bottom of the tranny fill hole. Make sure the car is level when you check it.

Originally Posted by neoncbd

How big of a trouble am I in? I don't think manual transmission is a common problem w/ 1st generation Neon. But I might be wrong. Am I looking at a $1000+ bill?

It's not a common problem, but the amount of trouble depends on how well you have treated the tranny. You could always just swap in a new or used tranny for about $100-$200 for the tranny.

[neoncbd]

Suppose the tranny is leaking and out of oil. Would it cause the problem I mentioned? All of a sudden stopped working while driving?
What oil should I add for a manual transmission?

[das2123]

Originally Posted by neoncbd

Suppose the tranny is leaking and out of oil. Would it cause the problem I mentioned? All of a sudden stopped working while driving?

Low fluid will give you all kinds of problems...

Originally Posted by neoncbd

What oil should I add for a manual transmission?

Make sure you use the A578-specific semi-synthetic fluid (p/n 4773167) that's available at the dealer. It is specifically matched to the synchronizer material for good shifting, and has special friction modifiers to last a lifetime.