NC 6 speed - stuck in gear

[bltamil1]

Hi guys,

I have just dipped into MX5 ownership with a Supercup prepared NC, but have almost immediately hit a problem with the gearbox. It seems to be stuck in a high gear, even though the shifter wobbles about like it is in neutral. I can't move the stick forward or backwards, but it moves over to the left, and extreme left for reverse. It feels like the car is stuck in 3rd or 4th, but makes no unhappy noises when the car is moving.

Any idea what this could be? I presume it is some kind of problem with the selectors, which will mean having the gearbox out?

[Bertrum]

I would guess the 3rd gear selector fork has broken

You need to remove the gearbox and take the top cover off, will be fairly obvious.

The other thing that can happen is the 3rd gear synchro ring cracks and fails, this is a design flaw with the box and is a pain to change.

I suspect the former if the gearstick moves.

[bltamil1]

Thanks for your reply. I had heard that the third gear fork was a bit flimsy.

Oh well, gives me something to do over the weekend I guess!