Berlingo 1.4 not shifting into 1st and 2nd gear

[berlingo_pete]

Hello, I am new to Berlingo ownership and to the forum and my 1st post is a bit of a problem one.

I have bought a 1.4i multispace Berlingo (52reg) a few months ago and have put on about 5,000 miles on it (it has been a good workhorse, although with its niggles). Went for a drive this morning, and I am struggling to get it to go into 1st and 2nd gear (3, 4 and 5 seem ok, but reverse goes in, but "grinds" in.)

I have read on the forum that it could be linkages, but more worryingly the clutch. Is there anything anyone can suggest, or point me in the right direction, please? I am no mechanic, but can follow instructions/youtube guidance (my other car is an "old" 200K mile, 02 reg BMW, which I have kept going with the help of youtube/forums).

Thank you

[brodfather11]

If as you say it "grinds" into gear it looks like you're not getting clearance when the clutch pedal is pressed.
When the linkages pop off the joints then its like stirring water with the gearstick and if worn they do work but there's a lot of slack but it wont "grind" when going into gear.

You may have an adjustable clutch cable if so there may be some adjustment possible, that would help to avoid the grind. If not then it looks like the clutch needs replaced.

Get a workshop manual or download one , great help. Search on here as I think there maybe some available to download.

[berlingo_pete]

If as you say it "grinds" into gear it looks like you're not getting clearance when the clutch pedal is pressed.
When the linkages pop off the joints then its like stirring water with the gearstick and if worn they do work but there's a lot of slack but it wont "grind" when going into gear.

You may have an adjustable clutch cable if so there may be some adjustment possible, that would help to avoid the grind. If not then it looks like the clutch needs replaced.

Get a workshop manual  or download one , great help. Search on here as I think there maybe some available to download.

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Come to think of it I know what you mean about stirring water (I had a linkage break on a Volvo, about 15 years ago). 

I have been googling a lot today and I think you are right, either the clutch cable needs adjusting or it's time for a new clutch. The car drove fine yesterday (did a 200mile round trip, mostly motorway), and this morning it does this. Also, it goes into gear fine with the engine off (reverse too, although a bit more "fiddly"), but once I turn it on it does not want to go into 1st or 2nd.

I'm sure I saw a link to a Haynes on here somewhere, so will download it. Will see if I can fix it and will report once it's all sorted (or at least I figure out what's wrong).

Thank you again.

[berlingo_pete]

Just to give finality to the thread.
It turned out that the clutch was indeed on its way out. Eventually the car would not go into gear and when the mechanic took it apart, he said that the release bearing was shot along with 7 broken fingers on the pressure plate. 
Also had a new exhaust fitted and the car is running fine now.