Gear Selection Issues

[Russats]

Since owning this car for around 4 months I've had issues with selecting 6th only, after 5 hour journey down to Devon I've lost the ability to select 5th and 6th. I praying it's selectors not clutch or gearbox?

 

 

Any ideas??

[daddyfixit]

gear selector cables are known to wear and pop-off the linkages at the gearbox end.

 

plastic balljoints wear out and become loose, so cable falls off underneath battery tray

[Russats]

From what I can see they appear attached that end.

 

There's only two correct?

[SilverBeast]

That's right.  Mine has always been a bit obstructive from 1st to 2nd, especially when first started, I just never rush the changes.  There is a procedure to adjust the cables that doesn't need any special tools, it's just awkward to access the gearbox end as the adjusters are to do with the springs on the end of the cables there.  I believe there is a link on this site or fordmpv.com to a video on how to do this.

[Russats]

Thanks a lot, I'll have a look. I'm praying that's all it is.

[BrianH]

It might be worth checking the gearbox oil - Both for how much is in there and what state its in. If its similar to the 5 speed its fairly straightfoward to drain and replace if deemed necessary.

[Wesley]

If your getting all the other gears I really can't see it being the cables. I lost 1st and 2nd gear a few weeks ago and it was the selector inside the gearbox.

 

I would try the cables first as it's very easy to do. The is a few good videos on YouTube showing you how to lock the cables in place.

 

Also when you say lost the ability. Does it gear stick go into the position or 5th and 6th and do nothing or can't you get it to go into position

[Russats]

5th is solid, will not go into position engine running or not

 

6th goes in sometimes but if you don't hold the lever it jumps out of gear.

 

Other times 6th just grinds and won't go in.

[SilverBeast]

I'd try adjusting the cables before anything else as it's free!  Instructions here

 

I don't think you need to take the gear knob and gaitor off.  I looked at doing it, but didn't in the end.  I just lifted the base of the gaitor out of the console and there was enough access to fit a drill in the locking hole without removing anything else.

[BrianH]

It might be worth checking the bolt thats been mentioned to sheer off on the selector if you haven't already done so.