Hi,

My 1.2 is extremely difficult to get into second gear but seems to get better after a long drive/hot.

Its on 75k so I am worried about the gearbox being at fault but first i want to try replacing the gear linkage cables as they're relatively cheap for a pattern part and seem if that improves things (already done the box oil).

I have the part ordered but is there a rough how/guide anywhere for replacing the cables anywhere?

I am fairly confident mechanically as have done most things on other cars so can probably "work it out", but would appreciate any pointers available.

Many thanks,

Will the gears select easily with the engine OFF ?

Hi,

They select slightly better when the engine is off but are still a bit stiff/vague - going into say first or reverse sometimes doesn't work unless you wiggle the gearstick left or right a few extra mm almost like there is some play.

That said if you are drving going from 3rd-2nd won't happen unless you are sub 15/20 mph, it also occasionally crunches coming out of 4th...though as i said, it seems slicker after a long drive which is odd.

I think the box maybe has some issues but am hoping the linkage is worn and replacing it will make things more bareable.

Car is on 75k and came to me 2k ago so who knows how its been treated!

Look at the end piece first that links the cables to the gearbox. That ball joint often deteriorates. Easier to change than all the cabling.

Check the clutch hydraulics crunching gears isn't selection I suspect either this, or the clutch. Slave cylinder a likely cause, try bleeding the system replacing the fluid in the process?

Just an update;

My new gear linkage arrived (first line branded) and the ball joint connectors could be unscrewed so what i have done is swap them with the ones that were currently on to save swapping the entire linkage.

Both the old ones seemed quite worn - not separated but the rubber was definitely deteriorated and could be moved quite easily. The new ones have tightened it up...its not perfect but it is at least bearable to drive now and perfectly useable so i'm happy.

The green connector under the battery tray was easy to do from the top in about 20-30 mins but the black one at the back of the gearbox was a ballache due to not much space and having to go in from underneigth...if anyones attempting this a set of pry bars and getting it high off the ground will help. In all it took about an hour and half end to end.

Suspect my gearbox is also worn - its actually a Ford Ka Mk2 Metal (500 underneigth) and has 16 inch wheels so probably not had an easy life as a result.