käiguvalija

Käiguvalija, or gear selector in English, is the control device used to choose the transmission gear in a vehicle or other machinery. The Estonian term combines käik (gear or speed) and valija (selector). It serves as the primary interface for selecting forward movement, reverse, neutral, and, in many systems, additional modes such as park.

In manual transmissions, the gear lever is connected by a linkage or cables to shift forks inside the gearbox, enabling the driver to move between gears. The lever typically follows a recognizable pattern (often an H pattern) and may incorporate a gated design to reduce mis-shifts. Operation is usually accompanied by clutch actuation, especially in traditional manual systems.

In automatic transmissions, the gear selector allows choosing operating modes such as Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D), with various submodes in some models (for example Sport or manual shift). Modern automatics often use shift-by-wire systems, where electronic signals control the transmission rather than a purely mechanical linkage. Some vehicles employ rotary knobs, push-buttons, or electronic paddles instead of a conventional lever.

Design variants include floor-mounted, console-mounted, and column-mounted levers, as well as fully electronic selectors. Regardless of form, the Käiguvalija is a standard feature of most contemporary vehicles and is integrated with safety interlocks, braking systems, and parking mechanisms to prevent unintended movement. Regular maintenance focuses on the linkage, bushings, and any electronic or hydraulic components that affect gear selection.