Ok, so I've just fitted the long ratio FSM 02M gearbox to my Fabia complete with LSD. I didn't adjust the cables at all when I took the original box off. When connecting the cables up to my new gearbox, it seems that the linkage is all to hell! So I went about the reset procedure, i.e. release locks on the 2 cables, lock in gearbox selector rod with pin at the side of box, lock gear stick with 5mm drill bit, then release locks on the cables. However, this only gave me the bottom 3 gears easily (2nd, 4th, 6th).

 

I put this down to possibly the gearbox being dry due to the LSD install. So upon starting it up I found the same thing. So went through the reset procedure again today to find it was still the same.

 

I've ended up moving the left cable adjuster (as you look at from the top of the engine bay), basically as short as it will go. Now this gives me all the gears fairly ok. It's still not 100% though and definitely not as crisp as these boxes can be. I'm convinced that if there were even more adjustment in that cable then I'd be able to get it perfect - but surely this shouldn't be the case?!...

 

Is someone able to clarify if there are different type of cables associated with the FSM long ratio box please? Or has anyone come across this problem before?

 

My cables are free and have not been modified or removed (other than from gearbox end). Without the cables on, the gear change is crisp as anything when moving the weight by hand - so it's definitely the shifter mechanism causing this.

All I can say is I have fitted a long ratio box, Either FSM or FJW, I forget the code, and had no problems just bolting up the linkage.  Should be the same really.

 

I would question if the box is OK in your scenario.

Box is definitely ok.

 

Southy and I had it apart and inspected everything and all looks healthy.

 

Plus the gear selection was smooth and crispy as silk when changing gears by hand with the cables disconnected.

 

Just to clarify... this is with the engine off also!

I initially wondered if the weight wasn't positioned correctly, which would cause these symptoms. However, upon inspection there's a key on it, so it only goes on one way 

Sorry, then I am out.  I am no mechanic sadly.  I can just vouch for a hassle free swap.

Ha ha no probs Jase! Thanks for your input [emoji106]

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there any wear on teeth between the selector arms and the selector mech? ,

Mine wore so much I couldn't select any gear, changed for a new em and was better than when I first got the car.

there any wear on teeth between the selector arms and the selector mech? ,

Mine wore so much I couldn't select any gear, changed for a new em and was better than when I first got the car.

 

I assume you're meaning the teeth between the selector rod and the big weight? There's no wear at all that I could see. However, I'm now wondering if I could relocate it slightly anti-clockwise. I'm fairly sure that would sort the issue. It's just if the key will allow me to or not. I'll have a go tomorrow I think.

I assume you're meaning the teeth between the selector rod and the big weight? There's no wear at all that I could see. However, I'm now wondering if I could relocate it slightly anti-clockwise. I'm fairly sure that would sort the issue. It's just if the key will allow me to or not. I'll have a go tomorrow I think.

If there's no wear you won't be able to, there's a section on the teeth which locates it in one set place.

Edit, should be able to see what I mean from this pic I took when I fitted my new en

Yeah I noticed earlier there was a key on it. Just couldn't remember if it looked like it could get it twisted slightly round. Doesn't look that way...

 

Very strange issue...

Actually, thinking about it I don't think that the weight makes a difference anyway. As the position is taken primarily from the hole at the top of the selector rod.

 

 

EDIT: forgot that one of the cables does attach to the above weight. So yes it does make a difference!

Ok, so had a good look at this on the weekend. I am genuinely stumped by it. Cables seem routed perfectly, reset the linkage again. In the end I had to adjust the linkage attached to the weight to its tightest on the cable. I even tried the plastic cable attachments that I got with the box with the standard rubber bushes.

 

 

I'm wondering if the car that this box came off has a slightly different length gear linkage cables?...

 

The gearbox is fine. All gears are perfect, except it's just not as smooth as it should be in the the top 3 gears and reverse. It needs some extra notches in the cable for it to be perfect.

New cables? - Though I don't have a clue how the mechanism works.... On Mk2 Golfs the bulkhead tore slightly "unbracing" the cable outer and buggering up the clutch.

 

Is it possible that a bracket is the wrong way round or a spacer/fitter element is missing?