Honda HRT216 ser# MZCG6346786 drive will not disengage

[sgl]

Hello,
I was basically given this mower. It runs well but the transmission won't disengage even if I take the cable off. What could be the problem?
Thanks

 

[robert@honda]

Hello,
I was basically given this mower. It runs well but the transmission won't disengage even if I take the cable off. What could be the problem?
Thanks

The control arm on the transmission may be binding or jammed stuck. You may need to remove the transmission/rear axle to clean, inspect, and verify the arm moves freely.a

It's a medium-level job to remove the transmission; I'd suggest you get a shop manual, as it's really detailed and you can do the job much easier than trying to guess/learn how to extract it on your own. Honda sells paper manuals via their eBay store ($35), free shipping; here's a link to the one for your mower:

HRT Shop Manual on eBay

 

[sgl]

Robert,
Thanks for the help. I'll go and buy the manual.