I've been having some issues with gear selection on my 250 when cold and was wondering if anybody else has has similar symptoms. I've recently changed the oil hoping to cure it but if anything it has made it worse (I may just be concentrating more on it now though). The biggest issue seems to be going into third, occasionally taking 2 attempts. It feels as though it isn't in line, it can be forced in rewarding me with a horrible crunch sound (which I wont be doing again). Taking the shift really slowly allows it to eventually pop in. Strangely, once the car has warmed up after driving a few miles the symptoms get much better. I've been trying to read into it and came across two possible problems, Synchros gone (new gearbox?) Gear linkage or mount problems? Would I feel any other symptoms with this? The only other thing I can think of is that when revving the engine I get a noise which suggests mechanical movement, even in neutral. Sort of a creaking noise. Perhaps everything is fine and the gearbox is just horrible, which would surprise me coming from an Astra with the infamous M32 gearbox....
Sounds very similar to mine, but my issue is from 4th to 5th, but actually its worse when its warm!?. There is no crunching though. Its booked in at a gearbox specialist next week so will let you know what the problem is/was.
Worse when warm? That's a strange one, I can only think the oil gets thinner. I took her for a more lengthy drive just nw and it was absolutely fine after a while. I'm starting to think it just takes time to get going.... May take the battert out and check the mount anyway though
Yes definitely a strange one. I don’t think the mounts, if worn, would cause our kinds of problems. I replaced my lower engine mount and also the gearbox mount anyway and both old ones still looked like new (the car has done 30,000 miles). The news ones didn’t make any difference, but it’s one of those worthwhile things to do and a big tick off the list. I’m not sure there’s much that can cause any issues external to the gearbox, such as linkages, therefore it must be wrong internally, crunching is usually a sign of worn synchro which as far as I know can be replaced. I’ve been quoted roughly £200 to take the box out and £200 to replace it with any new parts fitted, plus the cost of the parts and VAT, so circa £500. Have been quoted £2,000 all in Inc. Vat for a new Renault gearbox (but that’s a special rate), so it’s worth taking it off and investigating first.
There is a valve under the air filter or you can just about see it through the passenger arch nemesis f you look up. It's a black round valve on the pipe between the servo and front of the box they are known for leaking worth a check
