Shifting Problem 1998 Ford Escort zx2 manual transmission. I have had a problem with the transmission not wanting to go into gear. The gears do not grind, the shifter will not go into gear. Sounds like either the shifter linkage is binding up since the master cylinder has been checked and the slave cylinder has been changed and bled. Any suggestions?

SOURCE: Automatic Gear Shifter Light Burned Out

hi.t thing to do firstly is check your fuses under bonnet and then check the fuses inside the car which are mostly under the dashboard and are easy to get to.
It could be that one of your other fuses has blown and caused this to short circuit.
Check all the fuses throughout and if they are all ok except the one that lights up the gears your in,then change that one.
It might not be that the bulb has blown at all.
If this all fails,then you will have to go through the process of taking out the centre concule which is or should only be clipped into place by self tapping screws which should just pop out with a flat ended screw driver and are easy to push back into place with your thumb.
Hope this has helped.

SOURCE: My 98 Escort ZX2 manual transmisson seems to shift gear hard!

Clutch may be smooth but this is a sign of the clutch needing replaced. Some of these models have a linkage adjustment under the hood. Others are hydrallic and need fluid. Look under the hood where the steering is and see which you have and address accordingly. Good luck. Check on costs of clutch replacement.

SOURCE: What would prevent the clutch

Have you considered the syncronizers? if they are the problem though you will need a mechanic to repair it as they are not DIY unless you have a lot of experience

SOURCE: What would prevent the clutch from shifting into

It sounds like your clutch is out pull inspection cover off and see if you have any lining left on disk