Vitara gears not engaging

[fozuki]

I've now finished a 3" body lift on my Vitara thanks to some useful hints from other members on this forum.

Whilst doing the works I made a kack handed attempt to straighten the gear shift lever to give it a better final position and when I put it back into place I had trouble selecting certain gears (namely 5th and reverse). I would imagine that this is down to the end of the shifter now being mis aligned and not engaging the gears properly. The gears on my Vitara were spot on originally so I'm a bit worried. I have now fitted a shift lever off an 'N' Reg Vit 16V and can get all gears however 2nd, 4th and Reverse are still not solid and do not engage very well. This lever is off a low mileage car and looked identical to the original one off my 'K' Reg Vit.

Has anyone had this problem on a Vitara? Do the later model 16V shift levers differ and could this be causing the problem??

Can anyone help me with this please???

[generation-x]

Foz
take out your gear stick and see if the nylon boot is attatched to the bottom if not start fishing for it in the hole that will most likey be the problem

simon

[fozuki]

Simon

Do you mean the small circular ring that cups the rounded base of the shift lever? I was pretty sure that this was in place but not 100% and I didn't check it specifically. Sounds like this could be it so will give it a try.

I'm hoping my Vit isn't knackered and get the feeling that some trial and error may get the result I need. Is that your thoughts or is there any tried and tested method for getting it spot on??

Thanks again

Foz

[generation-x]

tbh its either that or one of the shifter shafts have shifted when you put the stick back in but im betting its the 1st thing

simon

[fozuki]

Simon

Can you give me any more onfo on the shifter shaft thing, is this a big problem???

I'll have a look at it tonight anyway and let you know what happens, I just hope all goes well  8-[

Thanks

foz

[generation-x]

foz
where you drop the shifter stick are 2 shafts with cut outs for the the bottom of the stick to sit inside (if i remember) sometimes one moves either forwards or backwards after you have removed the shifter
if this is the case get a big screwdriver and center up the cut outs
shud cure if it aint the nylon thing

simon

[fozuki]

Simon

I think I know what you mean. There is a slot either side of the ball on the end of the shifter which slot over 2 exposed bolts to help position the lever. I did undo these bolts originally thinking that this was the correct way to remove the shifter. May well have re bolted these back in too tightly or something.

Cheers

Foz

[generation-x]

any progress foz?

simon [-o<

[fozuki]

Simon

Have been away for a few days....... stag do in Cork, proper good laugh. Still not 100% with Vit, something not quite right. Not really dealt with the shifter shafts yet but hoping to have a tinker thru the week. Got my self a nice suspension kit which should be going on in the next week or so, thanks for the tip off.

Cheers

Foz