Is this a gear linkage problem?

[caduceus]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 04 February 2015 at 15:22

[s p a c e m a n]

Yeah, stop wiggling it or whatever bolt has come loose will drop down and you'll spend half of the day retrieving it

Take off the centre console bit, there are some screws in each corner where your knee is and on the passenger side. There are more screws underneath the triangle patch/ cubby hole bit at the back, the leather pad just lifts out. There is a small allen key at the bottom of the door opening knob if it doesn't fit through the hole in the leather.

Once you have the console bit off there are just a load of screws holding on a fiberglass hatch that gives you access to the linkage. Remove that and hope that your problem is in the bit that you can see and not at the end of the rod near the bellhousing

[QBee]

I would replace that rubber gaiter before you finish. It's a great way for mice to get in. I think it's a Festa one. But don't quote me on that. Someone will know.

[s p a c e m a n]

My one doesn't have carpet there, pull it up a bit and see if there is a hatch underneath which is screwed down. There are a pair of bolts like that iirc, if ones loose then the other probably is too.

[QBee]

On my 99 car the panel with the rubber gaiter in can be unstuck/unscrewed, giving you better access to the gear change and helping you to insert a new rubber gaiter. Check the handbrake one while you are there - you really do not want mice in the car.

[Bobgriff]

Guys, my rubber gaiter is missing so if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated. The usual suspects want in excess of £30 for one which seems a bit steep to me! Thanks in advance.

[QBee]

Mine was definitely a Ford one. I took the old one to a Ford parts department and looked at 1990s stuff with them on the computer. It was Escort or Fiesta I think. Could be Sierra fits too. Was about a tenner. The MGB one is also a possible fit I think. MGBhive, near Wisbech for that one. I fitted the Ford one as it had more flange for riveting to the fiberglass surrounds.

The hand brake one is Sierra or Grandada, but I had to cut it down a bit.