ML5T gear issues

[Toby_HDi]

I have a problem with the gearbox on the Coupé. All of a sudden with no warning at all, this problem has arisen.

Quite often, I find that on trying to select 3rd (going up or coming down) that it doesn't want to go in. Obviously this means that when I let the clutch out, it just pops back out. 3rd is by far the main culprit but it has happened on 4th and 5th too. 1st has always been awkward to get into sometimes as has reverse. Gears select absolutely fine when stationary but when moving and trying to change gear the problem arises.

I find that when this happens that gently applying pressure to the gear lever and letting the clutch out until the gear engages properly is the only way to get it in.

I'm thinking engine mount or linkages. Could it be more serious? As I say, no warning at all, just suddenly started to happen the other night.

[Peter.N.]

Hi Toby

When you say gears select fine when stationary, is that with or without the engine running? It sounds as though the gear is baulking either due to the clutch not disengaging properly or because the synchro is worn but that would normally make it crunch. Try selecting the gears with and without the engine running and see if it makes any difference.

Peter

[Toby_HDi]

With the engine running but foot on the clutch pedal, they all engage fine. Only when moving does the issue occur where the gear won't go in.

[Peter.N.]

Very strange. I can only suggest that perhaps the engine/gearbox is moving when travelling and misaligning the gear linkage, although I believe that gearbox has cables. A thought has just occured, when I first had my 406 I had difficulty engaging reverse, sometimes it would go in but often it didn't or jumped out when I let the clutch in. I eventually found this to be due to the cable pulling out of ferrule under the gear lever housing, when the lever was pushing the cable it was sliding out of the ferrule thus limiting the movement, I crimped it up with a pair of molegrips - with the cable fully in of course and its been no trouble since.

Peter

[CitroJim]

Where's the bite point on the clutch Toby?

[Toby_HDi]

Where's the bite point on the clutch Toby?

Fairly high, but normal as far as this and the two Xantias I've had, both with the ML5T.

Clutch isn't slipping either.

[dieselnutjob]

does it go into reverse without crunching?

[Toby_HDi]

does it go into reverse without crunching?

Most of the time. I've had issues in the past with reverse and 1st. Usually just not being able to get it in unless another gear is selected and then go back to the required one or unless I lift the clutch and then depress it again and try again.

[dieselnutjob]

the thing about reverse is that it is the only gear without synchromesh. If the clutch is dragging slightly the syncros on 1-5 can mask it but the crunching reverse gives the game away.

I'm not sure about this engine moving theory. If your foot is on the clutch then surely the engine is disconnected from the wheels, and so there is no torque between engine and body, and so the engine will be in the same place as where it is at idle.