Volvo V40 - difficult to get into first gear

[kamilb1998]

Hi all,

Our 1.6 V40 has recently been getting more difficult to get into first. If you're still rolling, for example to a red light, and try to select first it won't go in. When you're stationary it takes several attempts to get into first, but it doesn't crunch. It used to happen occasionally, but now you're lucky to get it into first once every 100 miles. Today Mum missed a green light because it just wouldn't go in. The car's done 210k, and its only the second problem we've had with it in our ownership. We're currently abroad and don't want it to to fail completely on the way, so any ideas as to what this might be would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Kamil

[morgrp]

kamilb1998 said:

Hi all,

Our 1.6 V40 has recently been getting more difficult to get into first. If you're still rolling, for example to a red light, and try to select first it won't go in. When you're stationary it takes several attempts to get into first, but it doesn't crunch. It used to happen occasionally, but now you're lucky to get it into first once every 100 miles. Today Mum missed a green light because it just wouldn't go in. The car's done 210k, and its only the second problem we've had with it in our ownership. We're currently abroad and don't want it to to fail completely on the way, so any ideas as to what this might be would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Kamil

Could be a cracked syncro ring in the gearbox

Also, what condition is the brake fluid in? check the resovoir if there is nasty black deposits in there - I'd try changing the brake fluid and bleeding the clutch.

[kamilb1998]

morgrp said:

Also, what condition is the brake fluid in? check the resovoir if there is nasty black deposits in there - I'd try changing the brake fluid and bleeding the clutch.

I've just been out to have a look at the brake fluid and its black - not like the shiny 'golden' colour that's in my Jag - but it doesn't appear to have bits in it or anything its just dark.

[pmjg66]

could be the gear lever bushes are worn (had this fault on many)what happens is the travel across the gate diminishes due to wear.

replace at the bottom of the lever and at the gearbox side,easy job and parts cheap,worth a try first

[kamilb1998]

pmjg66 said:

could be the gear lever bushes are worn (had this fault on many)what happens is the travel across the gate diminishes due to wear.

replace at the bottom of the lever and at the gearbox side,easy job and parts cheap,worth a try first

Thanks, I'll look into it. When you're in gear, the stick does have about 10mm of play each way.

[morgrp]

kamilb1998 said:

pmjg66 said:

could be the gear lever bushes are worn (had this fault on many)what happens is the travel across the gate diminishes due to wear.

replace at the bottom of the lever and at the gearbox side,easy job and parts cheap,worth a try first

Thanks, I'll look into it. When you're in gear, the stick does have about 10mm of play each way.

I'd change the black brake fluid too if not for the clutch for braking safety

[mikealder]

Have a read of this thread http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=804... it should sort the car out - Mike

[pmjg66]

mikealder said:

Have a read of this thread http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=804... it should sort the car out - Mike

great stuff thats the ones mike.

good write up