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Not something I have checked yet. I will do it tomorrow morning and let you know.
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In response to DP's earlier query:
With the engine switched off there doesn't appear to be a problem.
However, initial gear selection with the engine running after being stood overnight is very difficult.
Once in gear there are no further problems.
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Sounds to me like the clutch plate is sticking to the flywheel or splines overnight. Have you tried putting the car into gear with the engine off, depressing the clutch and then starting the engine? This will break the 'stiction' and the gearchange should be OK after that, until the next time you leave it unused for a while.
I have to use the above technique with my old Citroen ZX, which I think has a couple of broken fingers on the clutch plate so it doesn't always operate properly. (I know I should get the clutch seen to but the car's done 282k and I'm not sure if it's worth it!)
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Thanks for that suggestion Insect, I'll give it a try and see what happens, although I normally start my car with the clutch depressed anyway to save wear and tear on the starter.
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I'm intrigued to hear about this since I've been having similar problems with my 2003 Focus TDCi, and haven't managed to find anything on the internet about anyone else's experience with this.
My problem sounds very similar - on occasion when I start the car first thing in the morning it is almost impossible to get it into gear - any gear. It tends to free up after a couple of minutes of trying. My Focus does this once every few months, and has done since about the 30-35k mark (now on 52k).
I've also noticed that on one occasion when I was having difficulty, if I held the clutch to the floor and pushed the gear lever as far as it would go into gear (i.e. to the point where it should be selecting the gear) the car would then creep in that direction.
Does this help diagnose the problem?
I've tried speaking to a couple of Ford dealers about it but their advice is that unless it is doing it at the time there's no point in them looking at it...
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I had a very similar problem with a (proper) SAAB. The cause was the driven plate sticking to the primary shaft due to initial factory assembly without grease. It seems that overnight in damp weather, the shaft and driven plate rusted together very slightly.
This car had a telescopic primary shaft to aid clutch renewal. I was able to withdraw the shaft in-situ, apply Molykote to the splines and then put it back again - all without disturbing the clutch. Problem solved. What a beautiful design (later copied by GM on the old Astra/Cavalier).
659.
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Yes a303, your problem sounds exactly the same - impossible to get it into gear in the morning.
Unfortunately mine does it every morning, not once every few months.
659FBE's experince with the SAAB sounds a possibility (slight rusting in damp weather) as I'm sure it has got worse recently now that the overnight temperatures have fallen and the car has a good covering of dew on it when I go out in the morning.
The car is due for a service in November. I think I'll talk to the service manager and see what he thinks.
I assume that this is not in anyway related to the DMF as I think I might cry if mine needs another one!
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I've now booked the car in for its forthcoming service at the local Ford dealer and mentioned the gear selection problem to service reception.
They said that the clutch could be at fault and that because it was hydraulic, the brake fluid change during the service may solve the problem.
Do the brakes and clutch share the same hydraulic fluid or is this mis-information from the service desk? Sounds suspect to me!
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A brake fluid change will not help.
Sounds like the clutch is not disengaging cleanly either (1) sticking to the cover or flywheel, or (2) sticking on the g/b input shaft splines. Since it works OK once used then this indicates the hydraulics are probably OK.
Rectification would require removal of the gearbox and then some inspection/investigation.
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Do the brakes and clutch share the same hydraulic fluid or is this mis-information from the service desk?
They share the same fluid reservoir, but they are otherwise completely separate circuits.
I agree with Aprilia - a fluid change, which should still be done if due by the way, is not going to make any difference to this particular problem.
--
04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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Hi Steve,
Had exact same problem with my Nissan Nomad gearbox whilst vehicle was still under warranty some years ago. Nissan was unable to fix satisfactorily. Solved the problem (with the help of oil company specialist) by changing gearbox oil. The cause was a synchromesh problem exacerbated by colder weather. 100,000+k later, still going strong.
A cheap possible fix to your problem.
Cheers from Oz.
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Sorry guys,
Slightly ambigous solution to problem.. changed to a different brand and type of gearbox oil.
Cheers from OZ
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