Timberwolf 2x4 shifting issue

[Beefy1]

I just acquired a 1994 Timberwolf 250 2wd. Drove fine at seller’s property. Got home, I started it, put it first gear, shifted to reverse, backed out of trailer, moved reverse shifter back forward, then nothing. Throttle revs but doesn’t go anywhere. The shift lever doesn’t really feel like it’s going through gears. I can roll it manually forever so I’m pretty sure it’s in neutral, but no neutral light. Then I decided to try reverse again, and, it goes into reverse. And drives in reverse. But as soon as I take it out of reverse, it rolls freely again. I can’t get it into any forward gear. The seller has owned it for 20 years (60 year old man). He didn’t have a manual so I’ve ordered a Clymer (I’m old school paper in my hand reader). Outward appearance is very good. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Mech]

My guess would be that the shift cable or linkage is faulty or unattached.

[Beefy1]

So it’s possible the quad thinks it’s in first gear so the neutral light wouldn’t be lit, and also allows for shifting into reverse?

[Mech]

Not sure about the light but I'd assume that will come right when the cable/rod is adjusted or fitted correctly.

I'm not familiar with that model but some of them use a shift cable. If the shift cable outer comes unattached it can pull a linkage but not perhaps push the lever.

Move the hand shift lever and look underneath near the gearbox looking for a cable/rod or lever moving. Check it has full travel.

[Beefy1]

Thank you for the help. I’ll check it tomorrow and advise. 

[Mech]

I just had a look in a manual and it has a shift rod on the left side of the engine. Perhaps disconnect that and try shifting by hand, to see if it works, and to feel for any shift happening inside there..

Edited September 8, 2024 by Mech

[Beefy1]

Okay. Thanks again

[Beefy1]

So, after going over everything, I found that the reverse shifter has a “lock” button under it. So I depressed it, pushed the lever just a little further “out” of reverse until I heard a click. Then the shift lever freed up, went down to neutral, light came on. All appears to be good! Live and learn. Hope the manual comes soon. 

[Mech]

Haha..  Glad it was simple. I'm surprised no yamaha rider suggested that. It will be in the owners manual no doubt. I had heard of a button and/or a lever, but I thought that was to get it into reverse.

It quite often happens that some designed in safety feature gets taken as a fault. I guess this interlock button is intended as a safety feature.

Stupid safety !

[mga]

glad you fixed it.

my guess was the helmet he was wearing didn't allow him to see what he was shifting. 😀