# Can't get out of first Gear. Is this a major repair? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 16, 2008, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-get-out-of-first-gear-is-this-a-major-repair/15410 "2008-06-16T15:28:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bigeasy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dc4da7/32.png) [@bigeasy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bigeasy)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2008, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-get-out-of-first-gear-is-this-a-major-repair/15410/1 "2008-06-16T15:28:18Z")
1997 Mercedes E-320 Can starts, can shift from Park ro Reverse; Can shift to Drive. Can will only drive in 1st gear. Is this just fluid, minor repair, or major over-haul? ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2008, 4:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-get-out-of-first-gear-is-this-a-major-repair/15410/2 "2008-06-16T16:56:13Z")
First need to check the transmission fluid. It may be little or nothing or it could be a new transmission problem. How many miles on it and when was the last time the transmission fluid changed? ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2008, 1:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-get-out-of-first-gear-is-this-a-major-repair/15410/3 "2008-06-17T01:49:34Z")
Sorry but this is a case where hands on is required for a diagnosis. Find a good independent mechanic, not a chain transmission shop. Or go to the dealer if the dealer has a good reputation and a good transmission man.