Problem with reverse gear

[AndyPap]

I drove a 1098 saloon this evening that won't stay in reverse. You have to hold the gear stick in place whilst reversing. All forward gears are fine. The car's done 90k and the box is the original.

Any thoughts on what's causing it, how to cure it and how much it will cost?

Thanks

[bmcecosse]

If all the rest is fine, and it does actually reverse - I would live with it !! It may just be an interlock plunger missing - but it could be something more serious. Meantime - start looking for another gearbox to put into 'stock' just in case !

[Kevin]

Worse case senario will be a replacement box, reconditioned will be the best part of £300 + a new clutch £70 and then fitting if you can`t DIY, of course a known 2nd hand one will be much less.

[Chris Morley]

My old box started to do this. As bmceccosse said, you can live with this for a fair while. However when it starts to jump out of first it will be on it's last legs and needs replacing.

My local specialist (Chersey Minors) offer rebuilt 1098cc boxes for £180.

[bmcecosse]

There is a Sprite one on ebay at the moment - £25 !

[Matt]

if its a 1275 one it will even have space for the reversing light switch

[bmcecosse]

It is indeed 1275. I keep a 'search' going all the time for '1275' !