1.9 Dci Clunky Gear selection

[garlum]

Hi.

Since I've had my Megane 1.9Dci 04 reg Sport Hatch selecting 3rd gear has never been the most pleasant part of driving the car. It doesn't much like being rushed into selecting 3rd, and I wondered if this was normal or whether it's something I should be concerned about?

It seems to be mostly when change up from 2nd to 3rd, and occasionally it will slot into gear without a problem, other times the gear stick will kick back on going into gear (only what you feel through your hand holding the gearknob, it's not a violent kick), and other times it will give a less than reassuring slight crunch on going into gear. It is mostly 3rd gear it's like this with, but I'm fairly sure it is similar to a lesser extent with a couple of other gears. It's also mostly when the temperature is cold and the car hasn't warmed up properly.

Is it just a fact that the gearbox takes a while to get up to optimal operating temperature? Or could it be something more sinister such as the synchromesh failing? It hasn't got any worse in the year or so I've had the car, it's just disappointing that an otherwise decent drive is sometimes let down by a clunky, stubborn gear change.

I've read comments on this forum and other websites that the Dci's gearbox doesn't like to be rushed and is a bit clunky, but not read anywhere specifics about 3rd gear being the most stubborn gear of them all!

Any comments would be appreciated.

[nickbell69]

My DCI is terrible on the gears, really rough when changing not smooth at all. Never have trouble getting the gear just not that smooth. Better half hates driving it cos of the stiff clutch and the gearsand keep this to just us but i have to agree with her Her 307 has a much better box

[gaggers]

Mine is similar, 3rd 'feels' like a bad gear change, it has never refused and is definitely worse when a fast gear change is attempted.
If I change in a more relaxed fashion then it is fine.
It also seems to improve if the car is warm.

[garlum]

Thanks for the replies. From what's been said above it seems it's quite commone for 3rd to be less than slick, so that's put my mind at ease.

Cheers again.

[IainMW]

Quite a common issue on the 6 speed box.

Try changing the oil for fully synthetic gear oil (ask oilman for the right one for your box) but don't over fill it. Read this post for capacities.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=9148

I seem to remember Webcode mentioning that the oil WILL NOT flow out of the filling hole once the maximum level is reached, however Rays post would seems to conratradict that So if you do decide to change it just make sure you measure it out correctly, to be on the safe side.