Sloppy Gear Change

[GRX]

My latest problem is a sloppy gear change, especially 5th gear. The position of the gear lever seems to have altered for a particular gear. What is the likely solution? Steve.

[John_W]

Steve,
Start by checking that the gear lever cable end at the gearbox end hasn't become unlocked (only 1/2 turn to lock), or check that the plastic lock mechanism isn't fractured or broken off.

If that's not it, have a search on gear linkage problems, especially the fracture of the cockpit-end bracket reported by Enright a few weeks ago.

John

[GRX]

Thanks for the tip, i have the same fractured bracket as enright. need to find how to do the job. have ordered a new bracket fron sjs. not sure if i need to withdraw the cables to replace the bracket or not. hope not cos it looks a messy job, steve.

[Enright]

GRX,

You will need to unclip the cables from the gearbox end, and from the mounting bracket behind the engine.

But that is only to give you enough slack/room to work at the selector end. You don't need to remove the cables completely (unless you break any of them).

After that the centre console needs to come out. Do you know how to do that? If not I can describe the process. Then you can unbolt and unclip the cables at the selector end, and unbolt the bracket from the rest of the mechanism.

Can I ask how much the bracket was? I would get your old one welded back together if possible. After all, it's lasted 15 years, so don't throw it away.

[GRX]

I am not familiar with centre console removal, so any advice will be gratefully accepted.sb

[Enright]

OK:

The electric window switches cover the two front screws.
Very gently prise out the switches and unplug them.
There is a metal plate that attaches to the console that each switch clips into - try not to accidentally prise that out too.
Now you should be able to see to undo the front screws.

Also prise out the mirror control switch and seperate the multiplug. On mine this is a bit fiddly because the loom is rather short.

The rear screws are hidden beneath the tray that is under the armrest. You may find a very discrete screw or two in the bottom of the tray.
Once the tray comes out it exposes the screws underneath (and your handbrake adjusters for future reference).

There is a trim piece at the very back of the console underneath the map pocket. Slide this out sideways (also a bit fiddly due to the retaining lugs).

Remove the handbrake grip by simply sliding it off towards the gear-lever.

The gearknob needs to come off too. If you slide the gaiter down, you should find a small (2mm I think) allen grubscrew on the LHS. Undo that then the gearknob screws off.

Now the console should be free and it should just be a matter of jiggling it forwards and upwards to get it off. The handbrake needs to be fully on, and watch out if you have an alarm with it's LED mounted in the oddments tray under the handbrake lever. Otherwise you could snap the wire.

Remember to keep the old bracket so that you have a spare to fall back on if you need it. Getting it welded should be a very easy and cheap job once it's removed.

[GRX]

GRACIAS Neil, will be doing that at the weekend, Steve.