How to fix a snow blower that won’t shift

If you’re having trouble with your snow blower not engaging or shifting gears properly when you need it to clear snow, chances are there’s a simple fix.

Let’s walk through some common issues that may be preventing your machine from changing settings.

If you need a replacement part for your snow blower, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com. Most orders arrive in just two business days.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate information, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Read more: How to Deal with Removing Snow this Winter 

What you need

• Socket set or wrenches – to remove any fasteners securing covers or housing pieces.
• Screwdrivers – both flathead and Phillips head types are useful for removing screws or prying off plastic covers.
• Pliers – to grasp small parts like pins or remove debris.
• Hammer – for tapping in new shear pins.
• Pin punch set – to drive out and install pins.
• Flashlight
• Lubricant – for lubricating any dry or gritty parts.
• Compressed air – for blowing out debris

Safety precautions

• Always make sure the engine is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected before inspecting any moving parts or making any repairs.
• Support the snow blower with blocks before going under it for repairs.
• If the snow blower has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access snow blower parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your snow blower or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the snow blower or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1 – Check the shift lever and linkage

1. Inspect the shift lever. Make sure it’s not bent or damaged, which could prevent clean movement between gear positions.
2. Check that the shift lever still has defined indentations for each setting such as ‘F’, ‘R’ and ‘N’.
3. With the snow blower engine off, carefully move the shift lever through each position and feel for any roughness, binding or unintended resistance to movement. The lever should smoothly snap between settings.
4. Remove the plastic or metal housing around the base of the shift lever to access the internal linkage.
5. Move the shift lever by hand and make sure the linkage and any connecting rods or cables move smoothly. Check for signs of rust, debris or damaged components that could prevent clean shifting. Pay close attention to the entry and exit points where the linkage interacts with the gear components below. Any debris that accumulates here can cause issues with shifting. You can use a can of compressed air to blow out any material.

Read more: Snow blower won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

Step 2 – Inspect the auger and wheel gears

If the shift linkage is working, you’ll need to check the condition of the auger and wheel gears.

1. Find the gear housing, which is typically under a plastic or metal cover. There may be fasteners or clips holding it in place. Once it’s open, you should see the meshed auger and wheel gears.
2. Inspect the gear teeth for signs of deterioration like grinding down, cracks, or complete strips of teeth that are missing. If the gears are damaged, they won’t allow the gears to engage and they should be replaced.
3. Check for any debris lodged between the gear teeth that could be preventing them from fully meshing when shifted. Use compressed air or a small tool to carefully dislodge any stuck material.
4. Examine the shear pins that connect the auger to the drive shaft. Sheared, cracked, or missing pins indicate the gears have overloaded before and will need to be replaced.
5. Make sure the gears rotate and spin smoothly as a unit when the auger shaft/drive shaft is slowly turned by hand. Any rough grinding, catching, or uneven movement may require new gears.

Read more: How to Prepare for a Snow Storm

Step 3- Check the shear pins

The slender shear pins are intentionally designed to break (or shear) under excessive load. If the auger isn’t engaging or spinning fully, there’s a good chance one or more shear pins have broken.

1. Find the auger housing. This is typically a plastic or metal shroud that covers the auger mechanism. It may be on the front or underside of the machine.
2. Look for any bolts or screws securing the housing cover. Use a socket/wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners.
3. Carefully remove the cover and set it aside.
4. The auger shaft and spindle will now be partially exposed. Look for two holes on either end where the shaft meets stationary parts.
5. Shine a flashlight inside to get a good look at the sheer pins in the holes. They may be cylinders partially sticking out. Check for splits, fractures, or evidence they have sheared in half. Broken pins will need to be replaced.
6. Try rotating the auger shaft by hand. It should turn smoothly without catching. Catching could indicate that a pin is sheared.
7. Check along the length of the shaft for signs of dents or damage from impacted objects.
8. Replace any broken pins and reinstall the auger housing cover when you’re done.

To replace shear pins:

1. Use a pin punch or sharp flathead screwdriver to drive out the old, sheared pins. You may need to wiggle them or use pliers for tight pins.
2. Position the compatible replacement pins at the shaft holes and tap them firmly in place with the hammer or punch until they are fully seated. Always use the proper pin type and size for safe operation.
3. Reinstall any guards or covers that you removed to gain access.
4. Test the auger. It should now spin and engage correctly.

Find your parts here: Snow Removal Equipment Parts – AppliancePartsPros.com

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your snow blower working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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