C5 Gear linkage issue after clutch & dmf change

[Docbill]

I have recently spent over a significant amount on a Citroen "specialist" to have the clutch and Dual Mass flywheel changed on my 2008 C5, diesel 138bhp.

My issue is that it is now very difficult to select Reverse and First gear. This was noted in the first few days, 500 miles / 3 weeks on it has not improved.

I am reluctant to return to them as they are over 60 miles away (I was working in that area and now am not) and they quoted me £x and charges me £x plus £150 - forgot to add in bolts, oil and VAT!

If it is a poorly adjusted linkage issue is this something I may adjust from the top of the engine compartment (I do not have the equipment to get under the car), fi so where is it and how to do it. Else is this a job for a more local "professional", how long should it take and does it need to be a Citroen specialist?

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi and welcome.

There are very specific checks to make regarding difficulty in changing gears - and there are 3 main areas - clutch, DMF and of course gearbox. Each has a procedure to follow (too long to go into here - but I think your first port of call is to give the garage the opportunity to fix it. It is clearly not right and really needs to be put right ASAP.

Did they replace the clutch bearing? This must be done at every clutch change. low gearbox oil can be another cause, or the gearbox itself. So they must be given the opportunity to fix the problem first before taking things further.

[white exec]

Good advice.
Minor point, but check that the box contains the correct oil, which is Total Transmission 8 (75W-80, and importantly GL-4). The GL-4 is the important bit, because it affects the ease with which the synchromesh operates. GL-5 is not acceptable, and 4/5 should be avoided too.
Too heavy an oil (eg 75W-90) can make it difficult to engage gear when cold, even when parked.

[Gibbo2286]

Is this one of the type where the outer gear change cable becomes uncrimped at the end and slides in and out instead of shifting the gear?

[RichardW]

I don't think there is any adjustment on the cables. If you can select the gears when the engine is not running, then it sounds like the clutch is dragging. I would take it back, a new clutch should be just that, like new!

[Docbill]

Many thanks.

I can do the basics, but on this I have no idea as to the technicalities. The gear shift had no issues when I left it with them.

It's interesting as one of the most favourite posts in the forum is the recommendation for Dory's which is who I used. It is a 100 mile round trip and due to work commitments I really do not have the time to spend on this. When I spend that much on such an old car, with a specialist, I expect it to be perfect first time!

Has anyone an idea as to how long it should take to do the adjustment?

[flying clutchman]

Well, it definitely sounds like the clutch is dragging. This could be due to hydraulics or the clutch itself. This must go back to the repairer even if it is a long trip