Jack just takes it as a given that a robotic bird mount would change gears. Probably not a stick shift, though, that would be weird. Maybe it's automatic, or there's a button or switch somewhere on top. "Hmm. Well, it turns on, so it is probably not a fuel problem. There could be an electrical problem, or just a belt out of alignment, or maybe it requires another key you haven't found yet?"

Regardless, he turns to the chassis and looks for a way to pop it open so he can look inside.