I've had a Fabia since January and I've done alot of local driving without the need for use of the 5th gear.

I've started to venture out on the A roads now and it would be useful to be able to move out of 4th into 5th.

Can anyone describe the feel of the 5th as I'm struggling to locate it. All the gears feel like a precise movement. Is the 5th a hard right and then up or a diagonal up and right?

I've tried a few times on a clear road but I've not had luck so far with two attempts.

Hi mate, I'm guessing you're a new driver.

To engage 5th gear is simple, where the gearstick naturally sits when untouched is directly opposite 3rd gear.

ie, if pushed straight forward you would go into 3rd.

Now, you see how you engage first, (push left and then forwards)

Changing from fourth to 5th is very similar but you push right toward your leg instead by the same sort of amount

and then forwards.

The reason you're struggling is you're trying to do a slick change dirctly from 4th to 5th via neutral.

Try splitting the gear change up into 2 parts. Clutch down- out of 4th, RELEASE stick (to its default neutral position)

Then push right (toward your knee) then forward into 5th. Then of course... Clutch up and on the gas.

Hope to help.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try it in the morning with a clear road with change split into two parts.

The alternative would be to apply light pressure pulling the lever right as you move it forward out of 4th, and it should just move right when it clears the 4th gear gate.

Yep, that works too.

I often drive lorries and when I get one with a heavy gearchange action,

I find it easier to get the gear with the pause in between gears... Takes the stick wrestling out of it..

Perhaps have a few goes when ignition is off, at least you'll find the location of it and when your driving it will be more familiar to you. Lastly, dont feel that you need to be rushed when changing gears, take your time, think about what your doing. Obviously at the same time keep an eye on the road conditions .

Just put right hand pressure on when shifting up out of 4th. It should move over to the right once in the gate - then right upwards. If it doesn't go in, then something is wrong. It is good to practise this shift whilst stationary with the engine off and clutch in. Try going from 3rd to 5th in a kind of "U" shape through the box - down, right, then up.

This is a wind-up, Shirley?

SWMBO's mum is like this, refuses to use 5th gear!

SWMBO's mum is like this, refuses to use 5th gear!

She'll have to get a 6 speed car

Try missing out 4th gear go straight from 3rd. to 5th gear when moving above 2500 revs and slamming foot down??

Word of caution practise on straight clear road. LOL