can't get it into gear.....

[abz]

I have a 51 reg S2 elise and recently I've had problems getting it into gear after it's been parked for a while (a few days without use). I have always left it in gear when parked as the handbrake is sh.te, but last night when I went to use the car the thing actually wouldn't go into any gear (inc reverse), as though the clutch wasn't working. I couldn't go out in my car because of it!! Eventually, much later, I got it into first and it was ok, but anyone else experienced this problem, any ideas what it is and could it be serious...?!

[scuffham]

when it does work, where is the bite point of the clutch when changing gear?

If it's almost at the floor, then I would suggest it needs bleading and checking to make sure it is not loosing fluid.

if not and the bite point is at the top of the pedal, then it sounds like you have an actual clutch plate problem.

[davejavue]

I had a similar problem with my S1 Elise - it would not go into reverse after standing for a while - took it to my local Lotus garage who had it for a week without success in the end a mechanic friend of my fathers got his hands dirty and within half hour it was OK apparently the problem was with the gear linkages just needed playing about with ( he said a common problem with Rovers ! ).

[garyDVO]

At the gearbox end of the cables the retaining clips for the cables can fall out.

Not saying it is the problem.

I lost 5th and the car would be stuck in revese, waggle the gear stick and the all was fine. The Off side clip had fallen out hear.

2nd and 1st is the nearside clip.

The reason for the clips falling out was due to the oil seal on the respective drive shafts.

Gary