corsa 2nd gear loss ?

[Medic-one]

We've got an E reg corsa run around, which for the past few weeks really struggled to get into 2nd gear but now i can't get in it at all.

Not whilst driving, and not whilst stationary with engine off.

Had the car booked in for his MOT yesterday and asked them to look at it, and garage said it needs new gearbox at 500+ pounds though after googling "corsa 2nd gear" i noticed it's a common problem.

It says online it could be to do with the linkage, and that i should check for it, not am really sure what/where i'm checking for ?

[steveavxt]

Does in make a grinding noise when you try to engage it?

[Medic-one]

no, no sound at all. its just like there is no 2nd gear, you just can't get it in. other gears work fine.

[steveavxt]

Have you tried disconnecting the gear cables and engaging it by hand?

[Medic-one]

No idea how to do that unfortunately.

Have driven the corsa over past few weeks ever now and then, still unable to use third gear, untill tonight.

I actually got it in 2nd by accident as I lifted the top bit (that you need to lift to engage reverse) and it actually went into 2nd every time I did that on the little journey home.

so that means that there's too much/little play somewhere I guess?

[callyman]

Get under the car and check the linkage support bracket.
It's the part that supports the linkage and bolts onto the rear of the sub frame.
grab hold of it at the linkage end and check if it moves up and down, it shouldn't.

What wears out the the sub frame end as it has a plastic bush type rubbish thing in it.
The entire linkage and support bracket can be bought from any decent factor for circa £120.
If it's change the bracket only this is pretty easy, but the rear of the subframe will need dropping 2" or so.
If it's the whole linkage, it can be a PITA to change, so best get a mech' to do it.