Can't engage gears

Steve58 · Unread post by **Steve58** » 08 Feb 2025, 14:59

Manual C4vtr+hdi.
No dashboard warnings no noises etc .no pre problem s with gear change. Started car this morning as usual no problem but unable to engage any gears. Still no dash warnings no noises etc . Any ideas would be better appreciated

Unread post by **wurlycorner** » 08 Feb 2025, 15:38

As this is a manual car it's a simple set up, but I'm a little confused as to what the symptoms are.

You say 'no problem with gear change' but then say 'unable to engage gears' which sounds a little bit contradictory (I'm sure not meant to be!)

So a few questions (sorry if these sound like sucking eggs, it's just to clear up exactly what you're seeing!):
1. When you move the gear lever around, does it feel the same as always and does it seems to move into each gear position ok - or is it just flopping about all over the place?
2. If you put the clutch down, does the pedal feel the same as normal or does it feel very 'soft'/no resistance? Is there any noise as you press it in or hold it in depressed?
3. If you try and move it into gear with the engine running and the clutch depressed, does the gear lever go into position or does it not go into position? Is there any 'crunch' noise as you do so or does it seem to go in ok?
4. If you then lift the clutch after 3, is there any noise and is there any drop in revs/attempt for the car to pull away.

Steve58 · Unread post by **Steve58** » 08 Feb 2025, 20:06

C4 vtr+ hdmi Manuel can't engage any gears no warning lights or funny noises. Any ideas.

Unread post by **Steve Walsh** » 08 Feb 2025, 20:36

Clutch failure, gear linkage broke. Need more infor really

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 08 Feb 2025, 20:44

Yes more info needed.
Does the gear lever move at all? Has the selector gone floppy?
does it go into gear with the engine switched off?
Has it been playing up befoer this happened or has there been no warning

Unread post by **RichardW** » 08 Feb 2025, 21:18

Merged your threads.

Steve58 · Unread post by **Steve58** » 08 Feb 2025, 21:38

No issues before no noises etc goes into all gears with engine off.No warning lights before or even now.

Steve58 · Unread post by **Steve58** » 08 Feb 2025, 21:54

Gear stick moves freely when engine off clutch peddle feels the same no weird noises. It drove perfectly before no dashboard messages no problems engaging gears. Just went to drive it in the morning started fine but unable to engage any gear and still dash messages .

Unread post by **xantia_v6** » 08 Feb 2025, 22:54

If it goes into gear with the engine stopped, but not with the engine running, then it is almost certainly a problem with the clutch or clutch release mechanism.

This probably cannot be fixed without removing the gearbox.

Unread post by **wurlycorner** » 09 Feb 2025, 01:25

Really need to answer my questions at the beginning of this thread and you'll get a definitive answer.
Based on the latest post I agree with xantia_v6 that it now sounds like a clutch problem - the confirmation would be if you try and put it in gear with the engine running and clutch depressed, you get a horrible graunching noise straight away (don't continue to force it, stop pushing the gear lever immediately).

Unread post by **xantia_v6** » 09 Feb 2025, 01:46

I would advise against trying to force it into gear with the engine running, as you could destroy a synchro ring, leading to replacement of the gearbox as well as the clutch.

A safer test is to put it into first vgear or reverse (depending on whether there is space in front of or behind the car) then with the clutch fully pressed, try to start the engine. If the car lurches, then it is definitely a clutch issue. If the engine turns over and starts, then try gently engaging the clutch and see what happens. Don't try changing gear with the engine running or you risk damaging the gearbox.

Unread post by **wurlycorner** » 09 Feb 2025, 02:20

That's a very fair point.
I was just trying to advise the 'simple/obvious' test method where we can be sure of the answer/feedback...

Steve58 · Unread post by **Steve58** » 09 Feb 2025, 12:15

When I had the engine running there was no grinding noises of any kind while trying to engage gears.I never had any difficulty before can a clutch fail in an instant? Thank you everyone for your advice would this be picked up on a diagnostic test have one booked for tomorrow.

Unread post by **wurlycorner** » 09 Feb 2025, 19:37

Diagnostic with a code reader won't help at all.
The clutch/gearbox/gearshift on a manual car like this, is a purely mechanical issue. However a mechanic/technician should be able to diagnose the problem for you, yes.

Clutches don't normally fail 'suddenly', they tend to start slipping first. But it can happen.
The release cable (or hydraulic master/slave cylinder) can go, or the release bearing or the sprung fingers on the cover plate can collapse, leaving you with no ability to release the clutch. But all of that is normally felt by the clutch pedal suddenly going to the floor and/or some kind of noise.

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