[Westy]

G'day everyone, new on here. Thanks for having me. I recently picked up a 2006 Vitara. It has the 5 speed manual with AWD in it and my problem is that it won't go into second gear, it just keeps jumping out or grinding teeth. All other gears are fine. There are no noises at all coming from the gearbox. I'm thinking that it may be a worn bush or bad selector detent. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks in advance, Rick.

[Andygoodbloke]

Hi Westy
Yes it could be worn detent pins, however start simple and check or change the gear oil and ensure it is filled to the correct level.

After that I would be looking at the second gear synchromesh gear as this is what wears and gets ruined when you slam it into second, or miss time the clutch and grind the gears. It means removing the box and stripping it down to replace it so unless you know some one capable of doing this it maybe worth a trip to a gear box specialist.

I have a similar issue in my SJ50 but the more I drive it and circulate the gear oil, the better it is getting, it is basically previous owners / drivers rushing second gear and the more it is grinding on selection ,the worse it gets.

Maybe the answer is another gearbox if you see one, that way one can be repaired while still mobile and you may end up with 2 good ones, and re-sell the extra on completion

Cheers Andy

[Gwagensteve]

Synchro is worn.

[Westy]

G'day Andy. Thanks for the info. I'll give the oil a go first. Pulling the gearbox isn't a worry as I used to be a 4WD mechanic back in my younger days. Not something I really want to do but I may have to.