gearbox(no reverse)

[smillingjimmyc]

Hi,
Coming down a1 south of alnwick and rev counter shot up,had the feeling it wasn't going into top gear for some reason managed to get home about another 30 mile down the road.Problem is that when i stopped to let passenger out I couldnt get into reverse or forward.Switched off then tried again this time it went forward but again no reverse.Problem is i'm stuck in front of someones garage so forward is no longer an option,checked g/box fluid which is ok.I have called rac but can't really see what they will be able to do.Anyone had this prob?

[mikeonb4c]

I've a vague recollection of reading about it before on here, though my memory is awful. Have you had a search of old posts?

[smillingjimmyc]

Yes,had a look but no clear answer.Rac guy turned up but couldn't really help and called recovery annoyingly I had to buy home start to get them out whereas if I'd stopped when problem started i would have been ok and easier to recover.getting it recovered to bongo freindly garage about 10 mile away.Starting to think a new box will be suggested though it had one in 2011 by previous owner.
I,m going to try it again when recovery get here to see if starting from cold makes a difference(grasping at straws )

[mikeonb4c]

Yes,had a look but no clear answer.Rac guy turned up but couldn't really help and called recovery annoyingly I had to buy home start to get them out whereas if I'd stopped when problem started i would have been ok and easier to recover.getting it recovered to bongo freindly garage about 10 mile away.Starting to think a new box will be suggested though it had one in 2011 by previous owner.
I,m going to try it again when recovery get here to see if starting from cold makes a difference(grasping at straws )

Wonder why the last one failed. You could try sending a PM to Alacrity (Geoff) describing symptoms and asking for his thoughts. He is excellent -an autobox specialist and (ex?) Bongo owner.

Good luck getting it sorted and keep us posted.

[smillingjimmyc]

Its now at the garage awaiting their inspection but their initial thoughts are that the g/box is knackered.Annoying if that considering that a g/box was fitted in 2011 whether a new one or recon i've no idea.

[smillingjimmyc]

Spoke to the garage couple of days ago and they confirmed the box has gone(as far as I can tell only 20 odd thousand mile since that was fitted in 2011) and they are finding it hard to get a replacement thats any good,I jokingly asked if they had a small car to swap,they don't sell cars,however he said they had a astra 2006 a chap wanted £2000 for and they would give me £400 for the bongo
I said ok because I've had enough forking out on the van £400 for mot(welding)in march.All in all including two mots,major service, I've spent nearly £1600 in the two years I've had the van.
Had a big argument with her indoors last night over it as she wants me to get the work done and keep/ sell it if I want but I can just see its going to be one thing after the other.i have a feeling its more than just the gearbox as the rear wheels seemed to be locked as well and christ knows what damage was done dragging it on and off a wagon.
Sorry to rant on but I've really let it get to me! The daft thing is I have bus pass now and I don't need a car or a van

[mikeWalsall]

There was a Mazda recall 10-12 years back with gearbox faults .. may be nothing to do with your problems .. only a .. proper .. auto gearbox guy could advise you ..

The main fault appeared to be the solenoid pack .. which can be changed while the box is still in the car ..

http://www.mazdabongo.com/catalog/gearb ... tic-models

But there again there are quite a few Bongos getting broken .. mainly with cylinder head issues rather than duff gear boxes ..

[smillingjimmyc]

i think g/box itself is the prob,hell of a noise when I was trying to get it into reverse.Its had a new head and rad in 2011 aswell.I'm gutted because its a good runner(was) started first time no matter how cold,wellhouse conversion,couple of small dents and rust spots but that didn't bother me.Cruised along quite nicely between 55/60mph at dead on 2000 revs.

[mikeonb4c]

i think g/box itself is the prob,hell of a noise when I was trying to get it into reverse.Its had a new head and rad in 2011 aswell.I'm gutted because its a good runner(was) started first time no matter how cold,wellhouse conversion,couple of small dents and rust spots but that didn't bother me.Cruised along quite nicely between 55/60mph at dead on 2000 revs.

A replacement box and fitting might cost around £600 and i'd hope you'd then get £1500 or so once done. Are you sure you want to let the garage have it for £400 quid plus be limited to one choice of replacement car? Tricky one as getting rid now is simpler but...

[smillingjimmyc]

You are right of course! Might be more than £600 though, the one fitted in 2011 was £650.Of course that if it is just the box.I'm getting in a right state about it and don't really know why.
I will try and get an estimate from the garage and if the astra is ok get that anyway at least it will fit in the garage.I know most on here have probably been in similar situations but I really can't be bothered now wondering what would be next to fail and dreading mot time, a shame as super vehicles when going ok.

[mikeonb4c]

You are right of course! Might be more than £600 though, the one fitted in 2011 was £650.Of course that if it is just the box.I'm getting in a right state about it and don't really know why.
I will try and get an estimate from the garage and if the astra is ok get that anyway at least it will fit in the garage.I know most on here have probably been in similar situations but I really can't be bothered now wondering what would be next to fail and dreading mot time, a shame as super vehicles when going ok.

Yup i quite understand your dilemma - there's no telling what else might need doing. I'll be putting money into mine again soon simply because no other vehicle will do!

[Bob]

Not that up on car prices but £2000 seems high for a 10 year old Astra.

If you do get rid of Bongy and can manage without a car I'd take a little time to look around for what you want.

[smillingjimmyc]

Not that up on car prices but £2000 seems high for a 10 year old Astra.

If you do get rid of Bongy and can manage without a car I'd take a little time to look around for what you want.

Yes,I had a quick look and they usually range from £1500/£2500 depends on condition etc i suppose.I'll have a look at it first.

[Alacrity]

Geartrain would appear to have broken in the gearbox - it will be a right mess in there. 2nd hand gearbox cheapest - if risky - option, any reputable rebuilder will be charging double what a used trans will cost.

And before you all start jumping up & down ranting about rip off prices we are talking about a re-manufactured unit here, fitted with a proper WARRANTY which in all cases with a reputable company cases will include remove & refitting, possibly a loan car whilst any warranty is sorted out.

Cheapo 2nd hand gearboxes will at best give you your money back if it fails, you will have to do the remove & refit & your own expense.