Guest Milkey Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Hi All, I was driving my cabby (MK4 XR3i) home from work today and the gearbox locked up as I approached a roundabout. It just went solid and the gear stick wouldn't move. I pumped the clutch a few times and managed to get it into gear. I drove the rest of the way home and did manage to select every gear. I parked it up at home and now it wont select 1st or 2nd gear at all It's asif the box has moved or maybe the linkage? It has had a bit of a worn mount since I bought it and I haven't had a chance to replace it yet - Could this be the cause of my problem? Or is it something worse and more expensive? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Paul Posted June 14, 2013 Admin Share Posted June 14, 2013 Yes the linkage could have moved slightly, have you oil in the box? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kelly Jeffery Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 mine really bad for getting in to first I have to double clutch it for 1st and 2nd isn't much better I have just got a puma gear linkage witch is near enough a straight swap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Milkey Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Hi Paul, I haven't Checked the gear box oil since I've had it - It didn't really cross my mind to until now to be honest so I'll check that tomorrow if I get a chance. Will I be able to adjust/move the linkage back or shall I try and source a new one? Are they available new or will I have to look for a used part? Hi Kelly, Maybe your comment answers my last question to Paul, Did you get a Puma linkage because you couldn't source an Escort one? Just to add, It is as if the gear stick won't move far enough over to the left to select either of the gears on that side (1st and 2nd) and when I move the car back and forward onto the driveway there seems to be a knocking/shaking feeling... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingergman Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 id check the oil, but if it was very low you'd probably of noticed it getting noisey! The linkage could of moved/ be loose, 13mm nut and bolt. Id also check the clutch fork on top of the gearbox, they can split on the spline and move Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kelly Jeffery Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I got the puma one as its a shorter throw and been advised its better than than the original I third still where it should be or is it where first should be ? no mine goes over far enough its really sloppy as really worn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Milkey Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Ahh got ya. Third is where First should be. It's all shifted over to the left... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kelly Jeffery Posted June 15, 2013 Share Posted June 15, 2013 this might help if you put it in to third then loosen the pinch bolt then wiggle it of to leave the gear box in third then reposition the linkage hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Milkey Posted June 15, 2013 Share Posted June 15, 2013 Thanks Kelly, I'm gonna have a go at it after work tomorrow so I'll keep ya posted on how I get on! Thanks again, Dan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Milkey Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Hi All, I finally had time to have a look at the problem today, I checked the gear oil and the oil level was fine - it seemed surprisingly clean too considering what came out of the sump when I changed the engine oil and filter last week. After a lot of fiddling with and adjusting the linkage a friend of mine rang a gearbox specialist and explained my problem. He suggested that a tooth may have become jammed inside the box and said to give it a good "heave ho" from left to right. We did this and it freed up almost instantly! We gave the linkage one last adjustment before dropping the car back down. I took it for a good test drive and it seems pretty much sorted although on a couple of occasions it was a little iffy going into 1st and 3rd. I'm thinking now that the said tooth that became jammed is slightly damaged. I've seen a 2nd hand box on ebay for £50 so i'll probably get that and fit it in the next week or so. Thanks again for your suggestions and comments on this problem Dan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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