One of the most annoying and inconvenient problems that can occur while riding an ATV is having a gear stick that won’t move. Not only is this issue frustrating, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know how to fix it or operate your vehicle safely in the meantime. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes a gear stick not to move and how to fix it.
Common Causes of a Stuck Gear Stick
There are several reasons why your ATV’s gear stick may not be moving from one gear to the next. The most common cause is dirt or debris that has accumulated around the shifter rod, preventing it from moving freely. This can happen from normal wear and tear over time, or when riding in particularly muddy or dusty terrain. Other possible causes include worn-out shifter bushings, which can be caused by excessive shifting over time; broken shifter forks; and a bent shift lever.
How To Fix It
The first step in fixing a stuck gear stick is to make sure all of the components are clean and free of any dirt or debris. You should also check for any worn-out parts that need replacing such as the shifter bushings or shift lever. If necessary, replace these parts before continuing with the repair process. Once everything looks clean and in good condition, you should lubricate all of the parts with some light oil or lubricant spray to ensure smooth operation going forward. (Be sure to refer to your ATV’s manual for specific instructions on what type of oil/lubricant to use).
If after cleaning and lubricating the parts your ATV’s gear stick still won’t move, then you may need to adjust its alignment by loosening the screws on each side of the shifter rod and adjusting its position until it moves freely again. Some models may require additional adjustment depending on their design—so make sure you refer back to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how best to proceed with this step.
It also might be helpful to know how the gears work so check out this other article we wrote:
The Mechanics Behind ATV Gears
If your ATV’s gear stick won’t move, then there could be several issues at play—including dirt build-up around the shifter rod, worn-out shifter bushings, broken shifter forks, and/or a bent shift lever—all of which must be addressed before you can get back out on the trail again! Fortunately though, if you follow these steps carefully then you should have no problem getting your ATV up and running again in no time! So don’t let a stuck gear stick keep you off your ATV—get out there today and enjoy!
