I have lost 5th gear on my 1997 chimaera

[kev north]

i have lost 5th gear on my 1997 chimaera 500 does anyone know what cold be wrong with it

[viperman]

tried the dealer? they'll know the most, call them

[dannylt]

Common problem with the T5... new/rebuilt one required.

[Vmax500]

My 2000 Chimaera 500 'lost' 5th gear at 5200 miles when 5th gear became completely unselectable (as if the gate was blocked).... A new gearbox was supplied by the factory.

No problems until 11500 miles when the 5th gear synchro decided to give up meaning that any changes (even double de-clutched) into 5th were accompanied by a rather unpleasant graunch! After several failed attempts to rectify the problem, a second new gearbox was fitted at about 12000 miles!

My car is currently fine, although my latest 2000 mile old gearbox has not really lost its new 'notchiness' yet, especially in 1st and 2nd.

Short answer - expect that gearbox out, open heart surgery may be required for your pride and joy, but you are not alone - The 5th gear element of the box was not part of Borg Warner's original design brief, but was rather 'added on' during subsequent development. It is well known to be fragile.

Sorry not to be the bearer of better news, but do you have a warranty?

[kev north]

NEW GEAR BOX ON THE WAY

[jellison]

Surely you would just get it fixed - not get a new box - must have been a good salesman - it's only part of the box thats knackered no the WHOLE. Just take to a Cossy shop or someone like Burtons to sort - may only be something like a selector - £200-300 should sort it!

[kev north]

its a damaged cog and its cheaper to repair whole gear box

[Mickygee]

Common T5 problem caused by circlip coming loose on 5th Gear, causes mis alignment and means can't be selected. Need to get box out and back to factory but is a simple and quick repair (the now use a glue with the clip).