Gear Selection Problem

[jboult]

I have an ongoing problem with gear selection on a '97 C2 Targa and I was hoping someone on here might be able to point me in the right direction.

When block changing down from (say) 4th to 2nd, most of the time the change is fine, but occasionally (and worryingly becoming more frequently), the gear stick won't move across the neutral plane to 2nd or 1st. It almost seems like it hits an obstruction. Sometimes I can bang it across a couple of times and it will eventually allow me to go far enough to select the gear, other times I need to select 3rd, release the clutch, then change down normally, and everything is fine.

Has anyone got any clue as to what's happening? My local independent said they'd never seen this kind of problem before, so if I can get some pointers as to where to start looking it could save some time and money! Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers/John

 

[Steve Humphreys]

John

From my experience, there are two possible problems--on the early 993's (yours isn't--but neither was mine) the diff bearings can come out of their cage and they can block the shift linkage movement. This problem in my car caused problems selecting 2, 4 and 6--some others on the Forum have had the same problem

Another problem could be one of the pins on the shafts coming loose or snapping off. Both of these are reasonably expensive to sort as the box has to come off.

I have had both of these and had the gearbox fully repaired--it is like new.

Has the indi checked the mechanical workings of the linkage by taking the undertrays off the car and checking for any wear?

Others will no doubt chip in.


steve

 

[jboult]

Steve,

Ouch - not quite what I was hoping for, but thanks for the fast reply! Maybe one day I'll own a car with a problem to which the answer will be "dab a bit of grease here, guv'"!

The car is booked in tomorrow for some more investigation, so I should know soon enough where the problem lies. Fingers crossed, and I'll let you all know how I get on...

Cheers/John

 

[jboult]

Maurice,

It's only just started happening, and I am trying to use it sequentially (honest!), but sometimes a rather enthusiastic pull up can leave you stranded and only able to select 3rd... Not much fun to pull away in, I've found. Certainly easier in the 944!

It sounds like the gearbox/differential is the right place to start looking, and I'll pass the comments on to my indie - they're generally very on the ball and have always done a good job for me so hopefully they can figure it out very quickly.

Hmm, just how deep are these pockets...

Cheers/John

 

[jboult]

Just a quick update for those that are interested - the garage drained the gearbox oil and have reported that there was only a very small amount of swarf in there, but nothing untoward.

They did report that there was more movement selecting 1st, 3rd and 5th than there was 2nd, 4th and 6th (i.e. the lever goes forward more selecting the odds than it moves back when selcting the evens), and that this was an internal issue in the 'box, but nothing they would worry about.

They also recommended changing the clutch slave cylinder as there seemed to be a slight air leak on it (?), and thought that this, combined with the oil change, might solve the issue.

I get the car back tomorrow, so fingers crossed and I'll let you know...

Cheers/John

 

[jboult]

Ok, got the car back and have been running it for a few days now. In general, the change of gearbox oil and the new clutch slave cylinder have brought a big improvement in gear selection - using the box is a much nicer experience than before.

Having said that, I don't believe the problem is completely cured - it still occasionally feels notchy in neutral if you block change, although very much improved.

I've also noticed that all round gear selection is much better if you're pushing on a bit, but whether this is a feature of 993's or not I have no idea - maybe someone on here can enlighten me!

Cheers/John