1st and reverse gears are really bad now to select on 02 fabia 1.4 ,these have always been a bit off trouble,but not as bad as now.cars only done about 30000 miles.i was going to trade car in ,but cannot like it is.anyone any ideas whats problem is and approx cost off repair.cars the wifes and apart from this its been great.any advice much appreciated.

I have heard that 1st & reverse being hard to select could be the gear selector linkage/cables needing to be adjusted..? I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along to correct me in a moment though!

++EDIT : corrected replaced > adjusted

Edited 25 January, 201115 yr by martinch

I have heard that 1st & reverse being hard to select could be the gear selector linkage/cables needing to be replaced..? I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along to correct me in a moment though!

cheers, hope to find out a bit more info later.

Cable adjustment probably needed. Best get a garage to do it, as it's fairly involved and you need the service manual or Haynes book.

You need to push back and lock the cable spring seats at the gearbox end.

Then set the gearbox gear change assembly in neutral, and turn a locking lever through 90 degrees (Side of gearbox)

Then remove gearstick cover, and use an 8mm drill (or the proper tool) to set the gear lever mid position. Tool goes through gear lever plate and into a hole below.

Them release the gear cable locking collars and return the lock lever to original position.

Refit gear lever cover, and that's it.

Although not specified by Skoda, have the gearbox oil level checked, and preferably have a gearbox oil change done.

They say the box is filled for life, but not who's life. Even hypoid oils break down over time.

Cable adjustment probably needed. Best get a garage to do it, as it's fairly involved and you need the service manual or Haynes book.

You need to push back and lock the cable spring seats at the gearbox end.

Then set the gearbox gear change assembly in neutral, and turn a locking lever through 90 degrees (Side of gearbox)

Then remove gearstick cover, and use an 8mm drill (or the proper tool) to set the gear lever mid position. Tool goes through gear lever plate and into a hole below.

Them release the gear cable locking collars and return the lock lever to original position.

Refit gear lever cover, and that's it.

Although not specified by Skoda, have the gearbox oil level checked, and preferably have a gearbox oil change done.

They say the box is filled for life, but not who's life. Even hypoid oils break down over time.

Although not specified by Skoda, have the gearbox oil level checked, and preferably have a gearbox oil change done.

They say the box is filled for life, but not who's life. Even hypoid oils break down over time.

There's no drain plug after a certain year, and that includes 02 models. Skoda service manual says to use what I presume is like a pella pump via the filler hole.

thanks ,will try to find a decent garage,beyond me fixing out like that.