Xantia - occasionally gearbox won’t come out of gear

[Jaf]

The gearbox is secondhand, 2,000kms/ 6 months ago. Gear oil is 75w 80, brand new as changed it a week ago to see if that was the problem. Level is perfect and old oil was clean. Clutch is valeo and was changed with gearbox. Clutch pedal is high though (cable?).

Occasionally it won’t come out of gear. It doesn’t happen every day, it’s usually 4th gear but today was 5th. I go to change gear and it feels like the clutch hasn’t worked. The gear-lever just won’t move. 30 seconds later and I try again and it’s fine. Gears normally feel smooth and the lever doesn’t have much play. The clutch pedal feels fine, though it is high. I’ve adjusted the clutch with no improvement.

I’m bamboozled!

[white exec]

Is the gear selector mechanism operating accurately, eg gear lever coming out of, say, 4th, but mechanism outside the 'box is not properly aligned? Bit like trying to engage two gears at once.

[Jaf]

I’m not sure how to check that. I did change 2 of the gear lever selector linkages. The 3rd was wrong size.

[white exec]

The Mechanics' Handbooks (in the Resources section) give details of gear-change linkage set-up.

[Jaf]

Been a tough couple of weeks. Leak-off pipes went, so I was having to drive around in my dad’s AX. Finally got time to change the pipes on Friday. Been out a fair bit and no problem with the gears!!! Very odd. I realised that the gear sticking was always when changing down a gear and never going up. I’m wondering if the engine mounts are wonky? Nearly due a cam belt change so I’ll look at the mounts then.

[CitroJim]

I was having to drive around in my dad’s AX.

How did you find driving an AX after a Xantia? Did you enjoy? Very different cars!

I’m wondering if the engine mounts are wonky? Nearly due a cam belt change so I’ll look at the mounts then.

A good call, especially the one that ties the bottom of the engine to the subframe...

[white exec]

Excessive engine movement could affect gear change linkage, I guess.
How is getting in/out of each gear with car stationary and engine running?

[Jaf]

I really enjoy driving the AX, she’s so light and mountain-goat-like and fun. Problem is my back does not like it and with no air con it was sooo hot. The Xantia felt oddly slow and dull for a bit, not that she is, just that the AX is so springy. I even got my mum to drive a little way up the rambla in the AX, she hasn’t driven in years and refuses to drive the Xantia as she feels too different.

The gears feel perfect at tickover. Had a slight refusal today, 4th to 3rd, going downhill. Been about 30 perfect gear-changes since the last time!

[CitroJim]

I really enjoy driving the AX, she’s so light and mountain-goat-like and fun.

That sums up the AX perfectly Jaf It's why I love mine so much