When doing a quick stop, while the car is moving, clutch fully to floor - I'm trying to put it into 1st gear from 2nd, but it keeps popping out back into the palm of my hand...

If I'm stopping from a highish speed at traffic lights, I'll want to put it into 1st with clutch down... within the 3 seconds or so it'll pop out like 6 times, still trying to push it in gently.

It's only until I actually stop, that it goes in...

Is this a fault of my driving style, or something up with it?

Sounds like maybe the syncro-mesh is going/gone, but I could be wrong.

Either engine gearbox mount, cable adjustment, or worn syncro hub. Can't see it being a syncro on an 07 plate SE, unless the gearbox has been abused. Six speed box is almost unbreakable.

Theres no need to put it into first until you have completely stopped anyway....... but sounds like syncro-mesh.

My vRS does a similar thing. It doesn't pop out of gear but it kicks back against your hand when you're trying to engage first whilst still rolling. I tend to get it at the end of my road where I want to be in gear quick to make a dash out rather than stopping and then selecting first. Done it from new as far as I can remember. I don't force it through it, but just keep a steadily increasing pressure on it as it kicks back until it engages properly. I've never tried just ramming it straight into first.

Im ashamed to say that i got into this habbit and after two and a half years the selector fork snapped locking me in 1st gear! Told its the weak link in the box. Warranty was a no-no so dug deep for a brand new gearbox £1200+£600 surcharge! Id get out of this trend and start driving like me (an old granny).

Im ashamed to say that i got into this habbit and after two and a half years the selector fork snapped locking me in 1st gear! Told its the weak link in the box. Warranty was a no-no so dug deep for a brand new gearbox £1200+£600 surcharge! Id get out of this trend and start driving like me (an old granny).

Why did you buy a new one? You can get a recon with limited warranty for under 400 :confused:

Why did you buy a new one? You can get a recon with limited warranty for under 400 :confused:

Im afraid not

When looking for a recon gearbox for mine the cheapest quote was around £700-800 with VAT and usually 6-12 months warranty

You can get a box for around £300 from a breakers but its a lottery

Im afraid not

When looking for a recon gearbox for mine the cheapest quote was around £700-800 with VAT and usually 6-12 months warranty

You can get a box for around £300 from a breakers but its a lottery

i'd play the lottery first!!

When im slowing down and doing about 10 mph. To enage first gear I use a sustained gear change ( as I do with all my down changes) and first gear engages easily. I do this every time I turn into my driveway and I have never had a issue.