Acts like neutral when in any gear

[cinders19]

Help! I have a 1995 900SE Turbo 5 speed manual transmission. Today while driving suddenly it was like I was in neutral, tried changing gears and every one was like neutral. still need clutch to shift so I don't think it's the clutch. Only had the car for about a month so I have not performed any maintenance. Had to be put on flatbed to bring home. from searching forum I'm wondering if it is the shifting bushing. thank you.

[protech5]

Ck that clutch cable first

[cinders19]

will check that out. thanks

[cinders19]

Just went out and checked the clutch cable and it appears to be ok. When pushing and releasing the clutch it was moving down by where I assume the clutch is. The clutch peddle is firm not softness to it. I also noticed that it will start without holding the clutch peddle in.

[ryker_sf]

Can you feel the transmission engage each gear? If not, check your linkage. You'll need to jack up the car and look underneath. It's really easy to spot if you have somebody move the shifter around. It's possible that it's loose. In that case, you'll need to align it and tighten your linkage.

Otherwise, maybe there's something keeping your clutch cable from fully retracting, like a wire harness or something like that. Try disconnecting the clutch cable using a crow bar against the transmission and the clutch cable arm (be careful not to damage anything) and then starting it in gear. If it rolls (be careful!), then the problem exists between you and the transmission.

Also, Saab didn't design any safety feature to keep your car from starting with the clutch in and a gear engaged. For whatever reason, they felt that they didn't need to put that feature in!

[cinders19]

will try that, thanks for info. almost ready to give up, any one know of a good saab mechanic in rutland, vt area?

[ragtop]

I think I am experiencing the same problem as you are describing. 1. Still has to be in reverse to remove the key.2. Starts in any gear with or without the clutch pedal pressed to the floor. 3. You can shift through all the gears with the engine running and without engaging the clutch. 4. The clutch cable and arm at he top of the transmission move but it does not have any effect on shifting. 5. The shift lever seems to be connected and turning properly. 6. Will not move forward or backward under its own power.
Have you or anyone else solved this mystery?
I was told by a mechanic that the clutch needs to be replaced. I am in the process of removing the transmission now.

[protech5]

I would bet neutral safety switch

[ragtop]

The clutch was shot. Down to metal on pressure plate side. Flywheel also had to be replaced because of burnt and raised areas. Don,t have it up and running yet but will post when that happens.