Hello everyone,
I feel like I might be alone with this problem—honestly, I haven’t seen anyone else mentioning it online.
I drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCI manual, and sometimes it’s really tough to shift out of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear, but only while the car is in motion.
There’s no problem getting into gear—never had any trouble there. 4th and 5th work just fine as well. Mechanics are stumped. The clutch seems fine and doesn’t slip. Nothing obvious stands out.
What should I look into?
It could be the gear linkage bushes. They can impact both getting in and out of gears and are often more noticeable in certain gears depending on their wear.
Mine is a bit tricky with second gear, especially getting it out and shifting into third. It’s been less of an issue lately, but it’s still on my list to fix.
@Molly
Does this happen when the car is parked?
I would expect the bushings to cause issues even when the car is stationary. I only have this problem while moving.
I would expect the bushings to cause issues even when the car is stationary. I only have this problem while moving.
You’d think so, but I’ve only noticed it while in motion since I generally shift into 2nd gear when driving. My synchro can be a bit fussy going into reverse, but I fix that by shifting back into neutral and fully releasing and pressing the clutch again. It feels different from the bush issues.
My husband checked and confirmed the bushes are worn.
@Molly
I think every Fiesta is a bit touchy going into reverse.
Did your husband check the bushings in the black box in front of the transmission or under the shifter stick?
Zion said:
@Molly
I think every Fiesta is a bit touchy going into reverse.
Did your husband check the bushings in the black box in front of the transmission or under the shifter stick?
He checked the bushing in front of the transmission in the black box and applied white grease, which might explain why I haven’t noticed it acting up lately.
Reverse issues are definitely a Ford thing. I’ve owned a few, and they’ve all had it.
That’s really strange. I’ve been able to shift my gearbox out of gear without even using the clutch—just matching the engine and gearbox revs makes it pop right out. Shifting out of gear with the clutch pressed shouldn’t be a problem. I’m not sure what’s going on here.
@Raiden
I know it’s possible to shift without using the clutch; I’ve tried that but not in this situation.
The car drives fine, but these “jams” mostly happen when I’m accelerating or decelerating, like at traffic lights or roundabouts.
@Zion
Sorry if that wasn’t helpful. Your post reminded me of something.
I’ve never dealt with what you’re describing, Ford gearboxes are usually pretty smooth, so I’m really unsure about yours.
Raiden said:
@Zion
Sorry if that wasn’t helpful. Your post reminded me of something.
I’ve never dealt with what you’re describing, Ford gearboxes are usually pretty smooth, so I’m really unsure about yours.
Thanks for the input. I’m starting to feel like I’ll end up pushing mine off a cliff if I can’t find a solution.
Is this happening when the car is moving or only when it’s hot?
Juliet said:
Is this happening when the car is moving or only when it’s hot?
Only while it’s moving.
Juliet said:
Is this happening when the car is moving or only when it’s hot?
Only while it’s moving.
If you’ve already checked the basics like fluid levels, it’s probably a gearbox issue, possibly the synchros.
@Juliet
Don’t synchros usually affect shifting into gear as well? I haven’t had any issues there.
What about low transmission oil levels? Does the Fiesta even have an oil sensor for the transmission?
Zion said:
@Juliet
Don’t synchros usually affect shifting into gear as well? I haven’t had any issues there.
What about low transmission oil levels? Does the Fiesta even have an oil sensor for the transmission?
There’s no sensor, but that’s the first thing I’d check. I’m a DIYer, so I assume a mechanic would check that right away.
@Juliet
Two mechanics told me they didn’t know what the issue was, and another quoted me 400€ for a clutch replacement.
It doesn’t seem like a clutch issue to me. If it were that simple, I feel more people would have the same symptoms.
@Zion
Well, if it were the clutch, it would be tough to get into gear when stationary, and you’re saying that’s not a problem. I’d suggest taking it to a gearbox center, they usually know about clutches too.
I’m not sure if this is the same, but I have this issue sometimes when I’m stopped at a traffic light. Once I try to shift into first gear, it’s very hard to shift into second. This happens occasionally but still happens.
P.S. I always fully press the clutch.
@Tessa
Is it tough to shift into second, or is it hard to pull out of first?
I have a problem pulling out.