Unable to select 5th or reverse gear.

[Nuvo]

Here's an odd one...

Both 5th and reverse gears can no longer be selected (5 speed box).

The gear changes from 1st through 4th are fine, 5th and reverse just fail to engage fully. The shift lever returns to neutral normally too.

I'm thinking that maybe the bolt on the selector shaft has worked loose, but that is just a guess.

Does anyone have any previous experience with this fault or any other thoughts to share on what the problem could be?

PS. The shifter mounting plate isn't loose on the transmission tunnel, I wonder if the ball in the ball housing of the shift mechanism has signs of wear? I'll check this when I get a chance.

Thanks.

[Error404]

definatley check the linkage universal joint rob - I had a similar issue, the linkage UJ was almost in pieces - worth checking that and the shaft bolt as you say, or maybe try adjusting the connector plate between the bottom of the gearstick shaft and the linakge.



New linkage feels much more positive

[Flat on my back]

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Could also be the rubber 'uj' in the gear linkage has given up, funny though as you normally find 1/2 and 5/r start to get 'notchy'.

[Flat on my back]

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How stiff was the new linkage Alex, i've got a s/h one to go on mine.

[Error404]

hard to say really, it made a massive improvement to mine as you can probably guess - its not stiff but feels like new if that makes sense?

If you're up this way any time soon mate feel free to pop round and feel my knob

[Rusty]

There's a plate under the gaitor that can be adjusted a little to help.

[Nuvo]

Thank you for the helpful replies chaps.

So we are agreed that the problem must lie in the linkage, it must be either the universal joint or the adjuster bolt, or indeed a combination of the two.

Alex, can you remember how much the new linkage cost? I like the idea of firming up the gear change.