mr2 sw20 gearbox linkage issues..

[Willdat?]

Hey guys, my little brother just bought an MR2 and already discovered a pile of problems, the biggest one is that he can no longer select 5th or reverse as the lever won't get over far enough.

Has anyone had any dealings with this sort of thing (ANY advice much appreciated). In theory the clutch was replaced a couple of weeks back could a botched job lead to the adjustment of the linkages being out?

My mechannical experience relates to FR cars so it's a little beyond me at the moment, thanks Will

[Mr Revhead]

check:
cable
linkages (same as fwd )

[Adamal]

Theres 2 cables. One for left and right, the other for up and down.

If you have a look in the engine bay, around the middle of the firewall and down a bit, you'll see them.
Now, they are held in place by a couple of mounts. On the gear box side of those mounts, you'll see a rubber bit thats in the cable. Make sure this hasn't come out. I had the same thing happen with my up/down one and I couldn't get into 2,4 or R.
It sounds like the same thing could have happened with your left/right cable.

[Willdat?]

Sounds like you're on the right track, stripped out the interior, the left/right cable doesn't have a full range of movement, it goes from about the middle of the gate hole, to the far right, scraping on the edge of the gate, is it possible that something has moved?

As a side note, I have NEVER seen a worse audio install, DJSW20 should be shot...

[85AW20v]

Someone might have also tried to do a bodgy short shifter job by lowering the bottom part of the gearlever assembly. If it's too low you won't get the necessary movement sideways.

[Alex B]

As a side note, I have NEVER seen a worse audio install, DJSW20 should be shot...

HAhahahahaAHahahah apprently it had the mad humm to it. He thought the whole car needed re-wireing

[Willdat?]

Everything seems to be attached properly, but the movement of the left/right cable appears to be reduced (from the score marks on the cable). It is also a little loose feeling but there's no obvious way of adjusting it

Anything else I should check before I take it to a gearbox specialist?



The mad hummm is right, it also gets louder as the revs go up, its ALMOST tolerable at idle but not worth it when driving. The thing is I'm not even sure what he's done, the factory loom has disappeared (I'll bet I know who's fault that was) so rectifying the problem is basically going to require a rewiring of the whole stereo at least.
I feel sorry for that mint AE85 that is his current 'project'...I just hope he's paying someone else to do EVERYTHING on it.[/quote]

[Adamal]

Hmmm... I notice he hasn't posted in here yet hahaha

Anyway, Just get another one from a pranged one or something. I think you could probably get one for $40.
As for replacing it, its pretty each. Detatch it from the gearbox, take out the centre console (That sits at the back) and the bit that goes from that to the shifter. The cable will be exposed, you just remove it from the shifter. Do everything in the reverse with the new cable.

[Alex B]

The mad hummm is right, it also gets louder as the revs go up, its ALMOST tolerable at idle but not worth it when driving.

[/quote]

That sounds a bit scary...It shouldnt be to bad to just rewire the HU, sounds like an earthing problem or possibly in need of a supressor between battery and HU. If hes in dunedin i can probly have a wee look see

[AJz]

does sound like an earthing problem to me aswell. Give us a yell if you need someone to rewire your headunit for ya.

[Willdat?]

Cheers for the offers guys, hopefully will have a go at sorting it out myself but if I get too bewildered I'll give you a yell!

Adamal, went to a wreckers, got the new shifter, bolted it up, unfortunately it seems that the problem must be elsewhere as exactly the same thing happened...is there anyway of adjusting the play on the gearbox?

We're going to get some ramps so we can get under it, it's a bit too low for my usual axle stands (read: tires!)

[Adamal]

Hate to say it, but it sounds like a new gearbox you will need!

[Willdat?]

Maybe I haven't made it very clear...I could engage reverse and fifth if i made the gate a little wider, if that makes any sense...surely there's no logical reason to lose 5th and reverse at the same time?!

[Adamal]

Either way, it sounds like that box is gonna come off!

[85AW20v]

The selector that the cable is connected to on the box could also be bent or have slipped on the spline. A bit unlikely but something to look at before pulling the box out. Could also be the pin that the cable is connected to on the box is very worn which wouldn't give you all the movement you need. So a couple more things to look at first.

[Willdat?]

Cheers for that, will give it a bit of an investigation in the weekend!
Not overly keen on getting the gearbox out if we can help it, without access to a garage...

I have to say I'm impressed with how well this thing handles, the huge tyres must be a bit of a help even to the extent of a little understeer, without the 5th or reverse...who really needs them anyway

[Adamal]

What size are the tyres?

[DJ]

What size are the tyres?

225/50R16 rears, 205/50R16 fronts.

Sorry to hear bout the gearbox bro, hope it goes well.

Yes the stereo needs fixing (I didnt do the wiring, been like that sine I brought it lol), just play the music dam loud and you wount hear it

Dont worry bout the AE85 btw, its actually had some rust repairs done and good brake pads put in. 4AGE on the way.

[dodgy]

the sw20 gear linkage cables do streach a bit too.
Ive done a couple of sw20 engine swaps for mates now, and the linkages have caused a problem.