Can't get my VTS in gear

1. SaxoghiniVTS Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Fleetwood Posts: 15 Saxo VTS 2001

   #1 3rd September 2011, 16:52

   I put it in reverse to let an ambulance through at the lights, went to put it back into first and it just wouldn't go. It didnt go into any gear. After 5 mins with my head in my hands i tried again, i managed to get it into 4 and limp home. Gutted.
   
   It was always a little loose and I noticed it struggled to get into 1st earlier today. Now I can get it into 4 and it goes into reverse but i don't want to force anything and make it worse.
   
   Has anyone had this problem? Or can anyone point me in the right direction to get it sorted?
   
   Any help would be appreciated.
   Andy
2. Cam Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Nov 2010 Kent Posts: 8439 Gen 7 Celica 190.

   #2 3rd September 2011, 17:03

   The gear linkages could have worn out or even popped off mate
3. GRAHAM2000VTR Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: May 2007 peterborough Posts: 2861 2003 black vtr current escort van lol 2006 ford

   #3 3rd September 2011, 17:11

   gear linkages i would say pop ur bonnet remove ur air filter piping from ur box to throttle body and look down should clearly be able to see them
4. DreamEater Established Member Joined: Jun 2011 Hertfordshire Posts: 1574 '07 Saab 93 Vector Sport - '79 Citroën Dyane

   #4 3rd September 2011, 19:41

   Or jack up Nearside and look up just left of the bottom engine mount. Saves taking the air filter apart
5. SaxoghiniVTS Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Fleetwood Posts: 15 Saxo VTS 2001

   #5 4th September 2011, 02:12

   Cheers for the replies, will take a look in the morning
6. SaxoghiniVTS Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Fleetwood Posts: 15 Saxo VTS 2001

   #6 4th September 2011, 12:14

   Right ive had a look. I took the air filter off and could see down to the linkages, the linkage at the end of the main bar that comes from the gear stick is metal on metal, im guessing there needs to be a bush in there, it plays about 1/2 inch.
   
   Does anyone know if I can buy the bush or the part number I need to get this fixed?
   
   Thanks again for any help!
7. SaxoghiniVTS Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Fleetwood Posts: 15 Saxo VTS 2001

   #7 4th September 2011, 12:43

   Just another quick question, Ive been looking for any other help on this site for my problem and I've noticed people saying the Griffiths Quick Shift helps the problem, does this part replace my worn part or does it just improve on it? Will The Kam Racing Gear Linkage kit sort my car out?
   
   cheers
8. user_39156 Infrequent Poster Joined: Nov 2009 Weston super Mare Posts: 189

   #8 4th September 2011, 12:51

   Yeah the kam racing one will replace your original linkages. Worth it if you need new.
9. DreamEater Established Member Joined: Jun 2011 Hertfordshire Posts: 1574 '07 Saab 93 Vector Sport - '79 Citroën Dyane

   #9 4th September 2011, 18:09

   I can't vouch for the kam racing linkages but a new linkage from Citroen will cost you ~£20
10. SaxoghiniVTS Newbie Joined: Apr 2011 Fleetwood Posts: 15 Saxo VTS 2001

    #10 4th September 2011, 19:22

    Was going to take it apart today and get the parts tomorrow but when i realized i couldn't get the jack under the body without taking the side skirt off i thought id take it to the garage tomorrow.
11. tepson L-plater Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 89

    #11 4th September 2011, 19:38

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SaxoghiniVTS Was going to take it apart today and get the parts tomorrow but when i realized i couldn't get the jack under the body without taking the side skirt off i thought id take it to the garage tomorrow.

    or drive up on to a couple of planks or something and you should be able to get the jack under. by all means take it to a garage if you want but will obvs be alot more expensive
12. Mini-valver Regular Poster Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 343

    #12 8th September 2011, 15:51

    Sounds like its the selector arm thats bolted to the bulkhead from what you're saying. There should be a rubber ball over the arm which sits inside the sleeve on the end of the selector rod for the gear stick.
13. Darkslider Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2011 Gwynedd Posts: 184 Saxo VTS | Defender 90 | Kawasaki ZX6R

    #13 8th September 2011, 18:26

    There's a few main linkage bits you need to worry about.
    
    
    
    Number 1, part no. 2414a7 is the main selector rod that goes from the base of the gearstick to number 2; 244965 the control arm. It's the base of the gearstick that is replaced when you fit a quickshift so this won't cure your problem. if there's play in both of these they'll both need replacing as the bushes and balls aren't replaceable, they're both £44 each inc vat from a Citroen dealer. Haven't found anywhere cheaper that does them.
    
    The Kamracing linkages only replace 4, 4, and 5. These do wear out as well but don't generate nearly the same amount of play as the main selection bar/control return bush does, they normally just pop off and you lose your gears when they wear.
    
    So if you replace the control return, selection bar, fit some kamracing links and a quickshift you'll have replaced the entire linkage assembly for new or uprated parts. This is what I plan on doing so hopefully my gearchange will be like it was when the car left the factory. Only problem is that if you've got any wear in the actual selector arms on the gearbox will show up then and that's a bit harder to fix, means replacing roll pins and stuff. Definitely do the rest before you look at that though, that's my plan.