I already know the answer, but I'm curious to see how obvious this problem would be to folks.

The car is a Suzuki XL7, manual transmission, about 50K miles. Most recent service was about a month ago, oil change, filters replaced, and brakes serviced.

This is what happens: I'm pulling out of a shopping center, and in the middle of the intersection, the car goes into a skid. At first I thought I had hit a patch of ice. My second thought was that I had a flat tire. I put the hazards on, get out, check the tires - they are all fine. I get back in, and discover that I cannot move forward, whether in 1st gear or in neutral (I was pointing downhill). I can, however, move in reverse. I am able to back out of the intersection to a safe place to wait for a tow truck.

So, fofc, what's your diagnosis?

low washer fluid?

Transmission is shot.

Transmission is shot? At least this sounds similar to what happen when my manual transmission wouldn't go forward in first, or second for that matter...

FM

Transmission is shot.

for the record, I was typing as you posted this, despite how similar my reply is. :)

FM

for the record, I was typing as you posted this, despite how similar my reply is. :)

FM

:)

My friends car just did this last week, although it was an automatic. He's getting the transmission rebuilt right now.

Been there. Points for having a manual transmission though.

:)

My friends car just did this last week, although it was an automatic. He's getting the transmission rebuilt right now.

When it happened to me, it was at the end of an 8 hour ride from Pittsfield, MA to Quebec City. At the end, the transmission wouldn't stay in 1st or 2nd although it was still very drivable in 3rd or higher. Made it home, got it to the garage the next morning, in 3rd or higher again. Was fun... :)

FM

clutch is most likely.
Tranny is an option though less likely.

If clutch I am thinking it is stuck in R and cant get to 1st or H even though you are shifting, which could mean a broken shift linkage or shift rail inside the tranny

clutch is most likely.
Tranny is an option though less likely.

If clutch I am thinking it is stuck in R and cant get to 1st or H even though you are shifting, which could mean a broken shift linkage or shift rail inside the tranny

oooh, I love it when you talk dirty like that... :D

FM

Broken shifter cable.

doh already posted i see.

The answer:

There was a piece of conduit wire (highway trash) caught somewhere underneath that was causing the brakes to engage when the wheels tried to rotate forward.

The answer:

There was a piece of conduit wire (highway trash) caught somewhere underneath that was causing the brakes to engage when the wheels tried to rotate forward.

I think I was closest....

I think I was closest....

pretty much

Crazy. Where's my $3000 for the rebuilt transmission I put in? :)