03 16v HDI Manual BE4/5 gearbox problems

Hi
I am new to this forum. Hopefully a couple of problems I have can be answered here or least have me pointed in the right direction
My wife's C3 a 16v 1400cc manual BE4/5 gearbox, 03 model, has developed a gear selection problem....
When trying to engage first it kicks backs out of gear and will not stay selected. All other gears seem fine, just first. (Though reverse has always been a bit indecisive! Sometimes it hasn't selected though this seems more about technique...)
It was lent to my daughter and her boyfriend over Christmas when this happened on their way back to Bath from London. A phone call was received saying the car had broken down, making funny noises, and they were at the side of the motorway. Not sure how or what happened exactly as I have driven the car from its resting place to my drive (about 2 miles ) without any noises but definitely without first gear.
Now I expect this is "new" gearbox territory but is there any particular issues I should look for first?
Also if new box required anyone recommend a supplier (cheap) of recon/ second-hand boxes?
Or does anyone have any workshop manual info on stripping these boxes as Haynes definitely doesn't!
Many thanks for any help.

I would check the gear selector to make sure it is actually pushing the gearbox properly into first gear, no bent or worn links.

If the gearbox proves faulty, replacement may be the easier option, as I can imagine parts for the repair of your box will be both elusive and
very expensive.
May be you can purchase the replacement on E-bay from someone breaking a similar car.

Also if the gearbox is removed you would be wise to replace the clutch while in there, as it's a big job to do twice.

jbz2079 wrote:I would check the gear selector to make sure it is actually pushing the gearbox properly into first gear, no bent or worn links.

Well worth checking the gear selector as this is not know to me as a common C3 fault.


But if you think it could be actual gearbox, it may be worth draining the gearbox oil and see if its got bits of metal in it to write the box off and get another one from ebay or local breakers. As jbz2079 says, well worth changing the clutch as the cost is mostly labour to remove and refit the gearbox. You can get a new clutch kit from euro car parts webstore (here).

The gear selector, thanks to RC3D