Gear Selection Problem

[Teribus]

On returning home tonight unable to select 3rd and 5th gears all other gears are no problem the same symptoms persist with the engine running or off would be grateful for any assistance with fault diagnosis before the trip to Mr T with my 54 plate 2.0 D4D Mileage 116K

[Legionaru']

Check cable assy, transmision control.

[sferg]

I'm not sure of the Avensis gear system specifically, but it sounds like a linkage problem. Usually, the gear stick is linked to the 'box via linkages, They tend to have numerous bushes etc, which over time wear out. The gear stick will feel "sloppy" if this is the case, i.e. it doesn't feel firm when in gear and can move around. It is usually a sign of a heavy handed owner at some stage in the cars history, or very high mileage. Fitting new bushes or linkages is moderately easy to sort by a garage or an ambitious DIYer.

Failing that, it could be a synchromesh problem, which is to do with the internals of the gearbox and is usually not economical to fix due to the time involved that a garage would have to charge you to open up the 'box and start replacing parts. Rather just get a good second hand gearbox fitted with a warranty from a reputable place.

Hopefully your problem is the former.

Hope this helps...

Simon