Frozen gear cable in winter

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My Name: Gwyn

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Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2021 5:09 am
Model: C3 2013-2017 Facelift A51
Year: 2015 (15)
Engine Size: 1.6
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 45000
Trim Level: VTR+
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: BlueHDi (75 PS)

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I'm afraid I'm a fraud!
I'm a ds3 owner!
Their owners club has nothing as good as this and as your club came up when I was searching my problem with the gear cable I am hoping I can find some answers here.
A few winters ago my gear stick wouldn't go into gear, you could move it side to side but not into gear, the cable was frozen. I ended up parking on a slop in 2nd gear and driving round slowly until it was free each morning.
It happened again this year but this time the stick didn't move at all and it took 45 minutes to defrost. I took her to my local garage twice and they tried forcing gear oil down the cable and said that the end connectors had perished and was the only way they could see the water getting in.
Citroën had said they would only supply the entire cable including the gear stick for over £350. I can't afford that for something that only affects me a few days a year. (the guy at the garage was really lovely and didn't want to take any money for the time he had spent so I don't think he was trying to bump the price)
Winter is coming, has anyone else had or heard of this problem. Does anyone know a fix please? I have asked citroen and have asked different garages.
I DId have a habit of driving fast in big puddles, (lots in Yorkshire and fun) which I guess how the water got in there.
I'm sorry for jumping your club, please help if possible Anne
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My Name: C3driver52

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Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2003 (03)
Engine Size: 1.4 i
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 79984
Trim Level: VTR+
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: TU3 (75 PS)
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Hello Anne, welcome to the forum.

I took her to my local garage twice and they tried forcing gear oil down the cable and said that the end connectors had perished and was the only way they could see the water getting in.
If this worked, even if only temporarily to prove that it is the problem, then would it be possible to fashion an alternate rubber end connector?

I've not looked into the ds3 yet, but it is probably just a bit of rubber to stop water getting in.

If I can get some drawings that would help but would a couple of rubber grommets and some duct tape work? You may need to replace them each year, but it could be worth a shot, if you didn't want the full £350 part?
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
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How about packing the failed end with grease in place of oil :?:

Oil will run out but a grease will stay pretty much put where its left and won't interfere with the cable movement.
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