Renault Gearstick Stiff

Born To Be Mild

Hi all

Bought a Renault Modus from Buy and Sell. The guy had it sitting up for a few months. Because it was on a hill, he left it in 1st gear the whole time.

Now the gear stick is very stiff - especially in the mornings. It's next to impossible to move it side to side. So much so that I need to push very hard over to the left just to get it into first gear. After a while, as the engine warms up, it eases out a bit. But no matter how warm the engine is, when you pop it out of any gear, it doesn't return to the centre - so if it was in 5th and you just pop it out of 5th, it's still over to the far right.

He said it's just because it was left in first for a while and will ease out with regular use. I'm wondering if it's something else. The clutch is fine, and "up and down" movements (like 1st to 2nd, or 3rd to 4th) are fine and smooth - it's literally just the side to side movement that's stiff.

Anyone ever see this before? Any suggestions on what I can check?

It's a 2004 Renault Modus 1.4 16v Petrol.

Anan1

Linkages probably just need lubrication/adjustment?

Born To Be Mild

Anan1 - thanks for quick reply, but when you say linkage, I think of wipers.

Probably should have pointed out, I'm don't have massive knowledge of this - I change my oil, air filters, battery etc but don't know much at all about the gear box / clutch. I also haven't found a Haynes manual for this car so don't know where these parts are located / how to access them.

The engine is very tight and compact so it's tough to get a good look around at the parts. Where would these linkages be? Easy to access?

Anan1

There are linkages that connect the gearstick to the actual gearbox - if they're not properly lubricated and adjusted then gear selection can become difficult. AFAIK it's not a big job. Me, i'd just bring it to my local mechanic.

Born To Be Mild

Lovely stuff - cheers for the help.