[dajewo]

Hi all,

I've purchased 62reg Astra SRi, 1.4 petrol, 29k on the clock. I'm finding downshifting to first gear really tricky, feel like the gearstick really needs pushing it - I'm not sure whether it's the car or me (though not had the same issue with any other car I've ever driven). For example, I'm in third or fourth gear but approaching a junction I know I will have to stop at - so I slow down, press the clutch try changing the gear into first but the stick feels really sticky and hard to push the first gear in, then I engage the clutch when I fully stop (essentially I coast until I stop, but changing the gear with the gear stick is difficult). Should the car be downshifted sequentially i.e. go to second gear and then to to first when fully stop, or is there something wrong with the gearbox?

Many thanks for any suggestions.

 

[M32Guy]

This a 6 speed box? If so it's likely the linkage simply needs adjusting. I've put a how to on my website recently

 

[dajewo]

it's a 5 speed gearbox. On the way home I've noticed that changing into first at near/standstill is much easier...maybe the revs just must be low for it to work smoothly? Though I wouldn't think it would matter even with the clutch pressed down..?

 

[M32Guy]

Even with the clutch pressed there are still parts of the gearbox in motion. After a couple of seconds of the clutch being pressed it should be easy to select first. The car will need to be stationery and ideally the clutch pressed for 2-3 seconds before selecting reverse

 

[Fred Bassett]

Hi all,

I've purchased 62reg Astra SRi, 1.4 petrol, 29k on the clock. I'm finding downshifting to first gear really tricky, feel like the gearstick really needs pushing it - I'm not sure whether it's the car or me (though not had the same issue with any other car I've ever driven). For example, I'm in third or fourth gear but approaching a junction I know I will have to stop at - so I slow down, press the clutch try changing the gear into first but the stick feels really sticky and hard to push the first gear in, then I engage the clutch when I fully stop (essentially I coast until I stop, but changing the gear with the gear stick is difficult). Should the car be downshifted sequentially i.e. go to second gear and then to to first when fully stop, or is there something wrong with the gearbox?

Many thanks for any suggestions.

That's quite normal for a 1.4 , ideally though you should go down through the gears before coming to a stop . This gearbox also can be stiff or reluctant to select reverse , the way around this is to select first then select reverse.

 

[Koicarpkeeper]

Or double declutch, makes a huge difference on mine when the gearbox oil is cold.