What Is The Stick Called In A Car

Alright, let's talk about the gear selector, or as it's more commonly (and sometimes incorrectly) called, the "stick" in your car. We're not just talking about the lever you move to shift gears, but the whole system, including the linkage, cables (in some cases), and related components. Understanding this system is crucial for anyone doing their own repairs, modifications, or even just wanting to have a deeper understanding of how their car works. Whether you're swapping a transmission, diagnosing a shifting issue, or just trying to understand why your car won't go into reverse, knowing your way around the gear selector system is essential.

Purpose of Understanding the Gear Selector System

Why bother learning about this? Several reasons. First, repairs. When you're facing issues like difficulty shifting, slipping gears, or the inability to shift at all, pinpointing the problem in the gear selector system can save you time and money. Second, modifications. Swapping out a shifter for a short-throw unit, or upgrading linkage components, requires a solid understanding of how everything connects and interacts. Finally, pure knowledge. As a DIYer, the more you understand about your car, the better equipped you are to maintain it and keep it running smoothly.

Key Specs and Main Parts

The specifics of your gear selector system will depend on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission. Let's break down the main parts for each:

Manual Transmission

Shift Lever (The "Stick"): The physical lever you move to select gears.
Shift Linkage (or Cables): Connects the shift lever to the transmission. This can be a series of rods and pivots (linkage) or flexible cables. Linkage provides a more direct feel but can be susceptible to wear and binding. Cables offer more flexibility in routing and can be smoother, but they can stretch or break over time.
Shift Forks: Located inside the transmission, these engage the gears on the transmission shafts. The linkage or cables actuate these forks.
Reverse Lockout: A mechanism that prevents accidental engagement of reverse gear, typically requiring you to push down or lift up on the shift lever.

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever: Again, the physical lever.
Shift Cable: Connects the shift lever to the transmission. Automatics typically use a cable rather than a mechanical linkage.
Transmission Range Selector Switch (TRS) or Neutral Safety Switch (NSS): A crucial component that tells the car's computer (ECU/PCM) which gear is selected. It also prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in Park or Neutral. A faulty TRS/NSS is a very common cause of starting problems.
Detent Plate/Mechanism: Provides the "clicks" you feel as you move the shift lever through the different positions (P, R, N, D, etc.).
Shift Solenoids: Located inside the transmission, these are electrically controlled valves that control the flow of hydraulic fluid to engage different gears. While not directly part of the external selector, they're the end point of the shifting command.

Symbols and What They Mean

Diagrams of gear selector systems often use standard symbols. Here are a few common ones:

Solid Lines: Typically represent mechanical linkages, rods, or shafts.
Dashed Lines: Often indicate cables.
Electrical Symbols (Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes): Used to represent electrical components like the TRS/NSS. You'll need to understand basic electrical symbols to diagnose wiring issues.
Arrows: Show the direction of movement or force. For example, an arrow might indicate the direction the shift linkage moves when selecting a specific gear.
Circles or Squares: Represent specific components like pivots, bushings, or connectors.

How It Works

The basic principle is simple: you move the shift lever, and that movement is translated to the transmission to select a gear. However, the specifics differ between manual and automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission Operation

When you move the shift lever, you're directly manipulating the shift linkage or cables. This motion then moves the shift forks inside the transmission. These forks engage and disengage different gears on the transmission shafts, allowing the engine's power to be transmitted to the wheels at the desired ratio. The feel of a manual transmission is largely determined by the quality of the linkage and the synchronization of the gears inside the transmission.

Automatic Transmission Operation

In an automatic, the shift lever's movement is translated via the shift cable to the Transmission Range Selector Switch (TRS/NSS). This switch sends a signal to the car's computer (ECU/PCM), indicating the desired gear. The ECU then commands the appropriate shift solenoids inside the transmission to open and close, directing hydraulic fluid to engage the correct gears. The complexity of an automatic transmission comes from the hydraulic control system and the computer's role in managing the shifting process.

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them, assuming you've already checked the basics like fluid levels:

Difficulty Shifting (Manual): Could be worn linkage bushings, a bent shift fork, or internal transmission damage. Start by inspecting the linkage for play and wear. If the linkage is tight, the problem is likely inside the transmission.
Difficulty Shifting (Automatic): Could be a stretched shift cable, a faulty TRS/NSS, or internal transmission issues. Check the shift cable for proper adjustment. A scan tool can help diagnose a faulty TRS/NSS.
Car Won't Start in Park or Neutral (Automatic): Almost always a faulty TRS/NSS. Try shifting to Neutral and starting the car. If it starts in Neutral, the TRS/NSS needs to be replaced or adjusted.
Sloppy Shifting (Manual): Worn linkage bushings are the prime suspect. These are usually inexpensive to replace and can dramatically improve the feel of the shifter.
"Clicking" or Grinding Noise When Shifting (Manual): Could indicate worn synchronizers inside the transmission, or a misadjusted clutch cable/linkage (preventing full disengagement of the clutch).

Safety: Risky Components

Working on the gear selector system isn't inherently dangerous, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Transmission Fluid: Can be hot and messy. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Working Under the Car: Always use jack stands! Never rely on just a jack.
Electrical Components (TRS/NSS): Disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components to avoid short circuits.
Sharp Edges: Be careful of sharp edges on linkage components and the transmission housing.

Remember, this is a general overview. Specific procedures and torque specifications will vary depending on your vehicle. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for detailed instructions and torque specs.

To help you further, we have detailed diagrams of various gear selector systems available for download. These diagrams will provide you with specific part numbers, exploded views, and detailed routing information. This resource will be invaluable as you delve deeper into understanding and working on the gear selector system in your car.