CAR PROBLEM: Peugot 306 wont go into first gear

[Ryder2889]

I am having some car trouble, or my girlfriend is.

She is currently in an exam, her car parked up in a John Lewis car park. She was having trouble with it on her way to the car park, it would not go into first gear.

So now she is worrying about her car and her mind not on the exam damn it, stupid timing.

Anyway.... its a Peugot 306 1993 XL model with a 1.6 litre engine.

What do u guys think the problem is?

What should I tell her when she comes out of her exam, assuming I get any replies before then, i know i most likely wont.

God this car has been a bloody money pit.

But we need it so badly.

[eastanglianbiker]

when you say it wont go into first gear is it just grinding or wont select at all will it go into 2nd or any other gear,as from what you say it could be selector problem any where from gearstick to gearbox itself or the clutch has gone more info would help if an when poss

[Ryder2889]

I am not sure to be honest.

I will have to provide more info later.

She is in an exam now, but by the sounds of it, it goes into second gear. I am hoping she will be able to get it moving from second.

Luckily after this exam she is off work for the rest of the week, so should be able to get it in at a garage if they are not busy.

But this is just terrible

The last thing we needed right now.

[Guest akey]

It could be the clutch, not sure if its auto adjusting one or not.

One of the symptoms of a tight clutch is not being able to get the car into 1st or Reverse gear (as these are the lowest ratio gears).

If it wont go into reverse then Id say the clutch needed adjusting (had the same on our campervan!)

[Ryder2889]

Her dad who is a GP not a mechanic just said he rekkons it is the clutch.

Apparently the biting point is all the way down near the floor.

I dont know what would be cheaper to replace, clutch or gearbox, but we are skint either way.

Not only that but ive gotta spend a tenner to get home from work tonight via taxi Dammit.

Oh and she failed that exam too. Passed 2 papers and failed 2 papers by a few marks. Knowing our luck her boss will fire her now.

[eastanglianbiker]

check the clutch adjustment sometimes it is on a rachet system fitted to pedal or other times it is on gearbox itself UNLESS it s hydraulic clutch

[Guest akey]

If it is the clutch its not worn out mate, just badly adjusted, the real test will be if it goes into reverse.

As EAB said have a look to see if you can see where the adjuster is.

If the clutch had worn out it would be slipping under acceleration and the bite point would be near the top.

[Stuno1]

If it is the clutch its not worn out mate, just badly adjusted, the real test will be if it goes into reverse.

As EAB said have a look to see if you can see where the adjuster is.

If the clutch had worn out it would be slipping under acceleration and the bite point would be near the top.

 

What he said. Pooped clutch means biting point is near the top not the bottom.

Could be badly adjusted. Could be a knackered syncro?

Stu

[Ryder2889]

UPDATED:

See post below.

Edited May 5, 2011 by Ryder2889

[Ryder2889]

Thanks for all your help and advice guys. Much appreciated.

Like I said it went into the garage a few days ago who said the clutch needs replacing and the flywheel skimming to the tune of £290.

We got the car back today and it works a treat, so it was the clutch not the gearbox.

Whether the clutch just needed adjusting or replacing i guess i will never know.