Reverse gear

Hi there I have a c3 52 plate (2002) my question is does anyone know why that when I put it into reverse gear I have to hold it in and gently hold it over to one side please ? I have had a new clutch and new gearbox oil in it so can anyone give me any hints please ?

Mightym wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:14 pm Hi there I have a c3 52 plate (2002) my question is does anyone know why that when I put it into reverse gear I have to hold it in and gently hold it over to one side please ? I have have a new clutch and new gearbox oil in it so can anyone give me any hints please ?

Hi

What happens if you just put it into reverse and not hold it?

Did your problems only happen after the new clutch and gearbox oil?

If you dont hold it in it pops out and no it was happening before oil change and clutch I'm thinking it could be a selector but I'm not sure hench why I'm asking

Mightym wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:29 pm If you dont hold it in it pops out and no it was happening before oil change and clutch I'm thinking it could be a selector but I'm not sure hench why I'm asking

It's not a common problem so it could be something that doen't usually break on the C3. But with such a low mileage and needing a new clutch at this point you could have something that is not true to its documents or had been abused in the past.

You only have 2 choices really, the selector cables do wear and cause problems with all gears and a sloppy selection, not just reverse.

Then there is the gearbox and this is the other major part of selecting reverse. You can often tell the state of a gearbox from it's oil. So when its drained, have a look, smell and feel for metal etc.

I am surprised you would fit a new clutch to a potentially faulty gearbox because you will be doing a lot of double handling or the car was uneconomical to repair before the clutch change.


Just to show reverse holding (engine not running, but the same for engine running)

I was told by a garage that it was the clutch so that's why I had the clutch changed and my wife and I have just checked and it seems that when reverse is selected you have to gently nudge it to left and it will go in reverse fine so now I'm more inclined to think it's a worn selector but clearly I'm not 100% sure

Mightym wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:55 pm I was told by a garage that it was the clutch so that's why I had the clutch changed and my wife and I have just checked and it seems that when reverse is selected you have to gently nudge it to left and it will go in reverse fine so now I'm more inclined to think it's a worn selector but clearly I'm not 100% sure

Clutches slip or make any/every gear difficult to select not 'stay engaged'

I have never heard of a clutch causing reverse to not stay engaged.

If it is the selector as you suggest, it is not so difficult to change, thankfully. Have a look here for a C3 gear selector