[Transmission] Jumping out of 4th gear

[•Joe•]

Hi all!

Whilst my lovely Berlingo like to keep me on my toes by randomly throwing issues at me at the most inopportune times, the issue that it has gifted me today has me concerned, again, at possibly the most inopportune time to date! I would very much appreciate some advice and guidance!

On my drive home, I was working my way up the gears, selected 4th, and the bugger jumped out on me. The optimistic part of me thought I hadn't selected the gear properly, whereas the other 95% of me knew exactly what had happened. I really REALLY hope this is a quick/easy/inexpensive fix as I need the van to work and have no alternative option at present. I also had the clutch changed around 3000 miles ago.

So, after a bit more driving and testing here are what seems to happen.

2013 1.6 Diesel 132k

1st to 2nd - No problem
2nd to 3rd - No problem
3rd to 4th -  Won't engage, OR semi-engages and jumps out, OR engages. Also, when there is an issue with engagement from 3rd to 4th, going back to 3rd creates a "crunch", and then usually going back to 4th works ok.
4th to 5th - No problem
5th to Neutral - Gear stick doesn't freely return to centre and takes a little wiggle.
 Reverse - Sometimes reverse doesn't fully engage and only engages once the clutch is let out a little.


Not sure what this could be and was wondering if someone with a bit more experience on this model could help assist with this diagnosis. I have a few years as a mechanic under my belt so can check/wiggle/undo to inspect as guided.
Obviously happy to answer any questions to help gain a clearer picture.

May thanks

[Sol]

Hi, maybe this would help a wee bit, it could be a cable issue or the shift itself is balking. I find the shift is pure rubbish compared to most non-french vehicles.

   

[•Joe•]

Hi, maybe this would help a wee bit, it could be a cable issue or the shift itself is balking. I find the shift is pure rubbish compared to most non-french vehicles.

Thanks for that, definitely worth a look!
Any advice on where they fail or tell tale signs they need replacing?

[deejay_xb]

I had this problem on my old tractor, the gearbox has a steel spring inside that moves the lever to the middle position, that steel in time will break and you will have a wobbly gear lever, and also problems shifting from 4 to 5 gear etc.. it can only be solved after removing the gearbox and replace the steel spring.
I have never fix this because it was expensive, and sold the car with this problem..

[Sol]

Hi, maybe this would help a wee bit, it could be a cable issue or the shift itself is balking. I find the shift is pure rubbish compared to most non-french vehicles.

Thanks for that, definitely worth a look!
Any advice on where they fail or tell tale signs they need replacing?

Normally the little ball joints on the cable ends or on the levers, wears out and pops off. This won't be what's happened to you yet as it would jam out of, or in, a gear. Or you'd lose some gears. Could be badly worn at the actual gear shift or the gearbox end as DJ says. 

Check the little diagram I posted (click or tap it for full size) and have a look at the shifter unit, it can be exposed by stripping the centre console plastics off. If not that, then it's the gearbox end.

There are only two cables, one for left right and one for forward backwards.

[deejay_xb]

If it pops out then you will lose all gears, the shifter will be flaky and will not engage any gear, I also had this problem with tractor
My bet is on the gearbox internals, the steel spring plate inside that guides the linkage to neutral