It is difficult to engage reverse gear on my 2001 MGF. I'm aware that there is no synchromesh on reverse and that this difficulty is well-known to MGF owners - but mine often baulks me five or six times before engaging. Would renewing one (or both) gear selector cables go a long way towards helping? Do they stretch over time, or start slowly breaking up?
One thing I know - they aren't cheap!
(Unless some of course knows of a cheap source!)
Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
Moderator: TimM
- John SS
- Posts: 493
- Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 4:05 pm
- MGF Register Region: Midlands
- Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC
- Location: Calver Derbyshire
Re: Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
Changing the gearbox oil gave me a remarkable improvement in gear selection.
Re: Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
Hi John SS. Yes, I have changed the gearbox oil, it did result in a slight improvement. But I think the problem with reverse is the longer of the two selector cables, gone bad at the gearbox end. I understand there are repair kits available. Anyone know which kit is best?
Re: Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
Bought a selector cable repair kit from mg-obsession-2013 described as 'Genuine MG Rover Kit' - fitted the gearbox end (both attachments at the gear lever end seem OK) and can now select reverse with no problem at all.
- talkingcars
- Posts: 5766
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:44 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: mk1 VVC
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Re: Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
1) have you got the correct gearbox fluid.
2) when selecting reverse go into natural and lift the clutch, then clutch down and into reverse. Also don't rush it.
2) when selecting reverse go into natural and lift the clutch, then clutch down and into reverse. Also don't rush it.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
Re: Difficulty selecting reverse gear.
Drained gearbox and refilled with 75W90 - plus fitted selector cable kit. Goes into reverse easily now, but I will follow your instructions - neutral - lift clutch - clutch down - into reverse. Taking it fairly slowly - this will probably extend the life of the cable repair. I understand that there is no 'reverse gear' as such - it is first gear working in reverse.