Brava 1.6 SX 16V, 2001

When the engine is hot and at high speed it won’t go from 4th to 3th gear. I went through the forum and found several similar problems, however there is no straight answer what to do. It shouldn’t be the clutch since it has only 65.000 km and other gears work just fine.

Not to forget the guy at the garage said that this is normal... no comment on that

Anybody has a clue?

Without stripping down the box you could be clutching at straws! It could be 3rd/4th synch or 3rd/4th selector fork worn. Oil level low, wrong grade? ZC75 or any 75 grade should do not EP. As you say at high speed I'm leaning toward the synch but you could even have a foreign body in there. I've seen small amounts of sealer caught in synchro's cause crunching!

Thanks! Is there a way to find out if it is the synch without stripping it down?

In a word No. They are situated between the gears.

Try to change the 'box oil with a synth stuff (Sae 75w80 or 75w90) and add an anti-friction additive...I know Bardahl makes fine products


Do I turn fast enough!?