Lost drive

[benjcox]

Help!  I have a 2005 Avensis D4D with just under 100000 miles on it.  Recently I changed from 4th to 5th gear and lost all drive.  The engine is running fine, the clutch pedal feels fine and the gear stick feels fine.  The RAC fitter who came to rescue me had a quick look and said that the drive shafts look OK.  There was no noise rf jolts from the drive train before, during or after the breakdown.  Has anyone had anything similar happen?  I would like to have some idea of what's wrong before I have it towed to a garage!

[gazza1286]

I take you are saying that the car will not move in any gear? (not just between 4th and 5th). 

Did the recovery driver check to see if the movement at the gear lever was transmitted to movement at the gearbox selectors? If not then the failure is likely to be one of the gear cables. There have been cases where these have failed.

They can be sourced relatively cheaply as salvaged parts or from the dealer if you're brave.

This is an example:

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172438811066

 

There's also a 'possibility' of a catastrophic failure or the clutch drive plate - but check out the gear cables first. 

[benjcox]

Hi gazza1286,

 

Thanks for your suggestions. The gear cables were checked and were fine (apparently!) And yes, I don't get drive in any gear. 

 

Looking like a clutch then, just seems strange that there were no signs of it being on its way out...

[gazza1286]

A catastrophic failure is very unusual. And I would also expect there to be noises from the bell housing at idle as there would be some interference with or without pressing the clutch pedal. As you say, clutch failure isn't usually so sudden. 

Let us know how you get on.