While trying to top up oil in the transmission, my mechanic ended up slipping the speedo gear in the gear box. This caused notchy gear shifting and finally it stuck in second gear. However he realised it was his mistake and therefore, opened the gear box and removed the broken pieces of the speedo gear. Now I have two problems and will appreciate expert and experienced Felicia owners to help me out

1. I have topped up enough oil in it, yet there is a bit of notchyness, a hesitation while shifting. What could be the cause? If I am not wrong the oil required in the gearbox is 2.5 litres? Should I top it up with more oil?

2. I will soon buy a new speedo gear from the local Skoda dealer. However neither me nor the mechanice knows of the correct procedure to install it. We do not want to slip the new gear in the gear box again. Would anyone be able to advice the right procedure to install the speedo gear? Pictures anyone?

Guidance on the above will be much appreciated. I have a very nice Felicia estate and would like to get it back in shape.

Regards

Ali

Do not over-fill the gearbox (even if you can). On a lot of cars the correct level is established by filling the box until oil starts to drip out the filler these days.

I'm suspecting that your mechanic has not retrieved all the bits of the broken speedo gear, and the pieces may have damaged the gears or shafts. There are a lot of close tolerance parts in a gearbox.

if the bits you fished out are all mangled up, then chances are there will be some damage to the cogs/shafts in the gear box.

get your mechanic to find/fit a new box free. he stuffed up in the first place!!

Your mechanic should do this for free in the circumstances should he not?

A gearbox taken apart may need a little time to bed in mind as this was certainly the case on an old rover i had previously.

Hello

The car is now sorted.

My mechanic (for whom now I have developed a lot of respect) took the car from me the same night and worked from 10 pm to 3 am and removed and refixed the gearbox. Yesterday he also got a new speedo gear and fitted it. The car is now working fine, except a little notchyness occassionally while engaging the first gear.

I know the mechanic did a mistake, but to be honest, I would have done it too, these things just happen sometimes. I sympathise with the mechanic. In fact after he fixed my car, I gave him a Thank you card. It was really nice of him to fix the car in 2 days.

Cheers

Some cars do have a notchiness about first gear. In fact I learnt to drive in one. Of course, it had enough torque that you only needed first from rest or for manoevring.