Gears!!! Can't get any.

[Wildfire]

Went out last night to pick up a mate, gears were alittle stiff s it was cold, got to a junction then no gears!! The stick just wouldn't go forward or back. No cunching or anything just no movement. Got 3-5 but no 1-2 or reverse. Same thing for 3 miles. Stopped went to the shops then it all worked fine until I went to turn around in my drive an dthe same thing. Using 2 hands I couldn't get the car into gear at all!!

Any ideas??

[griffsmith]

Hi

Could be something to do with the detent mechanism. heres some pictures from an old thread that may help. other than than I haven't got a clue..

sorry and good luck

oopps heres the thread www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=202760

>> Edited by griffsmith on Friday 18th November 13:58

[GreenV8S]

Clutch feel OK? This might be a sign that the clutch isn't releasing fully so the synchro hubs are not able to control the lay shaft speed.

Alternatively, sometimes I find it gets 'locked out' of reverse and won't go in until I ease the clutch up slightly. I think the problem here is the lay shaft stopping with the dogs slightly out of alignment.

If you get really stuck, switch off, put it in first gear and then start it in gear with the clutch down. If the clutch release mechanism has completely failed the car will jerk forward on the starter but you will get going. If it's only partially failed, you'll be able to pull away once it is in gear but subsequent gear changes will be very difficult.

[griffsmith]

GreenV8S said:

Clutch feel OK? This might be a sign that the clutch isn't releasing fully so the synchro hubs are not able to control the lay shaft speed. Alternatively, sometimes I find it gets 'locked out' of reverse and won't go in until I ease the clutch up slightly. I think the problem here is the lay shaft stopping with the dogs slightly out of alignment. If you get really stuck, switch off, put it in first gear and then start it in gear with the clutch down. If the clutch release mechanism has completely failed the car will jerk forward on the starter but you will get going. If it's only partially failed, you'll be able to pull away once it is in gear but subsequent gear changes will be very difficult.

I think as you say it depends on how it feels when it happens. I got the feeling there was no gear stick movement at all, at least in some directions.. don't know why, it does say that... if it were internals surely you would get resistance with movement and/or other noises.. how does the stick feel?? is it stopping at the pivot or below it?? there would be a difference in the feel more flex/movement in the lever if its lower in the box.. I fink!!!

[octanebooster]

Try this: Under the bonnet on the drivers side inner wing there is an inspection cover held in place by four screws and some sealant. Remove this and underneath you will find the clutch master cylinder you never knew you had! Open it up and chances are you will find it bone dry. Top up with brake/clutch fluid and pump the clutch a few times. If your unlucky you may need to bleed the circuit via the slave cylinder bleed nipple which will mean getting underneath, but if not you should find normal gearchanging restored. Same thing happened to me a month or so ago. Caused by the master cylinder seals failing which you will need to get fixed later, but this should get you mobile.

[bagpuss 996r]

Had stiff gears for a while now only when putting in gear
,ok from gear to gear took out slave cyl looks a bit dodgy.
Went for new one cannot seem to get ap anymore tried one
today unfort thread was not correct still waiting with
stiff ones . Problem on old is i think leaking passed seals
not out so not loseing fluid so not getting full stroke
hopefully if not god knows (bent clutch arm hope not).

>> Edited by bagpuss 996r on Friday 18th November 22:58

[red griff 500]

Sounds like your rose joint gone kaput - mine did the same. I knew what the problem was cos I found the broken bits on the road when it happened.

This joint is below the stick main pivot and it's not too bad to replace. You need to remove the centre console, then the gearstick and re-assemble with a new joint (David Geralds will send you one). Re-assembling is a two man job - one underneath the car to fit the circlip (which is a b****d) the other to hold the plastic joint in place while he's doing it.

Good luck!