my 52 plate fabia 1.4 8v classic i can't get it in to 1st gear form neutral i have to put in 2 second frist then put in 1st gear so i can pull away in 1st gear i also have trouble putting it into reverse gear i have to pump the clutch up & down & wrestle with the gear stick . Any idea's on whats wrong? :(

My wife's is a bit like that with first gear - I was told a linkage needed adjusting, but it seemed to sort itself out after a while. If you're having trouble with reverse, it could be the clutch starting to fail, as reverse isn't meshed unlike the forward gears. One way of getting a handle in the state of your clutch is to stick it in fifth at about 25-30mph and put your foot down. It shouldn't slip, but if the revs start to rise without you going any faster, then it's a sign that the clutch is worn.

HTH

My wife's is a bit like that with first gear - I was told a linkage needed adjusting, but it seemed to sort itself out after a while. If you're having trouble with reverse, it could be the clutch starting to fail, as reverse isn't meshed unlike the forward gears. One way of getting a handle in the state of your clutch is to stick it in fifth at about 25-30mph and put your foot down. It shouldn't slip, but if the revs start to rise without you going any faster, then it's a sign that the clutch is worn.

HTH

Well i've just had my gearbox problem with my 1.4 8v - for some reason I just COULDN'T get it into reverse.

My recommendation: Pick yourself up a Haynes manual. Go through the guide for gear selector cable adjustment in section 7.

Completely worked a treat for me...

And £20 for a manual that might save you god knows how much in repairs seems like a safe investment with me.