The gears do not change and from the owners manual a possible problem is indicated as a leaking transmission. The vehicle is a 1998 model. I have never had to put in automatic transmission fluid since I bought it. Presently it does start but all gears are not engaging.

Are you the original owner? Has it always done this since you have owned it? It is possible to install a manual valve body in some of these transmissions, which works just as you discribe.

The
shifter needs to be inspected. Its quite possible that The
shifter assembly is got misaligned, it has to be open and realign.







There
are many other possibilities. But if it was working right up till now and
suddenly this shifting problem occurred then its shifter
assembly alignment issue.



Also
i suggest you to refer these gear shift issues, which are mostly noticed. These
are direct links with appropriate solutions to
the specific problems of gear shift

















GEAR SHIFT ISSUES








Gear
indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html

---------

2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html

----------

1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of
Park?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html

---------

Car will not move when in gear?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html

-----------

Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html

----------

Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html

----------

Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?


http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html







----------



Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?



http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html


-------

2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery

http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html

--------

2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html

--------

Nissan Sentra stuck in park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html

---------

Car will not come out of Park?


http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html


-----------

Automatic transmission will not go into high
gear?


http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html



----------


Car won\'t downshift sometimes?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html


--------

Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will
Not shift into drive?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html


------------

No
First gear Starts In Second Gear

http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html

-------

Ford Taurus won\'t shift from park?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html

---------

2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html

--------

Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html


----------

1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html

------

Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key
is turned ON?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html


--------

Third gear missing and engine losing power?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html


--------

Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html


----------

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift
Issue?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html

----------

Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html


--------

Car hard shift at slow speeds?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html


---------

Transmission-Hard To Down Shift

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html

---------

Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold
mornings?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html


------------

2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html



-------


Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while
driving?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html



-------


2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of
Park Mode?




http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html







These details will help.



Thanks.

It can be issue with gears or problem with transmission and needs to be rebuilt. Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.

To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

These will help.

Thanks.

The shifter needs to be inspected. If The shifter assembly is got misaligned, it has to be open and realign.

There are many other possibilities.

Also i suggest you to refer these gear shift issues, which are mostly noticed. These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html

These details will help.

Thanks.

It can be issue with gears or problem with transmission and needs to be rebuilt. Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.

To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html

These details will help.

Thanks.

First thing to check is the level of your transmission fluid, as this is the classic symptom of a car
whose tranny fluid level has dipped too low.
If level low, then you may have a transmission fluid leak (not unexpected in a 1998 vehicle), and
may want to inspect the transmission pan gasket (which may be the source of the leak).

I assume you have an automatic transmission; most of the time when people with manual transmissions get slippage, they start moaning about a bad clutch.

If the transmission fluid is clean and at the proper level, and the filter screen is not clogged, then you have a bad torque converter seal or a problem with the transmission itself.

Check the fluid first. If it is low, add fluid according to the directions in the owner's manual, put some disposable paper or cardboard under the vehicle, run the transmission through each gear, then check the paper or cardboard for drip marks indicating a leak. If the fluid is dirty, has metallic particles in it, or smells burned, it's time to talk to a transmission overhaul shop.

you dont ---end of story it should never need changing on a modern vehicle ,unless you take the drive shafts out to do a clutch then you top it up through a filler plug at halfway level on the gearbox ,Dont make work .

Possible vehicle speed control sensor,or transmission range sensor?

1. A variety of fluids are used for different transmissions. Automatic transmissions use something called - shockingly - automatic transmission fluid. Manual transmissions use a variety of oils: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner’s manual will tell you what your transmission calls for. So, get to know what type of transmission fluid should be used for your vehicle. This information is contained in your owner’s manual - if not contact the manufacturer who should be able to tell you.
2. Park your car so that it is level on the ground and leave the gear in Park or Neutral position. Usually the ATF is checked at the idling engine but everything depends on your vehicle. Firstly read your owner?s manual carefully and if it requires the engine to be running, start the car up and wait for it to warm.
3. Locate the ATF dipstick. Usually it is a bit shorter than the engine oil dipstick. In some cases it will have a label on it, so your job will be made much easier!
4. Take the dipstick out.
5. Do the same once again in order to make sure the dipstick indication is true.
6. The color and smell of transmission fluid can also indicate potential problems. Wipe the fluid onto a white sheet of paper or kitchen towel. It is usually red, and should be transparent and clean in appearance and free of black bits or flakes. It may be more reddish-brown because of age but never should be dark or black or smell of burning. You may not be able to fix the car if the fluid shows some of these characteristics, so just seek professional advice.
7. Check the top of the dipstick and see if the fluid marking comes up to the ‘full’ line. Also check that you are looking at the warm reading - there should be one for ‘warm’ and one for ‘cold’.
8. You need to add some more fluid if it does not come to up to the ‘full’ line. Unlike engine oil, transmission oil doesn’t burn up. So if you’re low on transmission fluid, you almost certainly have a leak. Carefully look for leak and if you find it remove as soon as you can. In case it is left it can cause the expensive repair of transmission system.
9. To add the fluid, simply use a funnel to pour it into the system. Add the fluid slowly and keep checking the dipstick until it reaches the ‘full’ point. Remember, you’ll waste your time taking the ATF out again if you add it too much.
10. Wipe the dipstick when finish the work and make sure it is back in securely.

Myself I would give the fluid filter change a shot.
If the fluid still looks good then most likely you haven't smoked any clutches. It could just be the filter is clogged and not picking up fluid properly.
Of course it is possible that it is something more serious.
Parts store should be able to hook you up with correct filter and probably capacity.