Peugeot Boxer - unable to engage gears

Southleigh

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Jan 26, 2015
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Bradford on Avon
Funster No
34,897
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Peurgeot Boxer Symphony
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I'm a newbie
I am new to this forum but hope someone can give me some guidance. I purchased a Peugeot Boxer Symphony last Autumn and have used it a few times. It has done about 57,000 miles. Recently I started the engine but could not engage any of the gears to enable me to pull away. When I put my foot on the clutch and try to engage any of the forward gears nothing happens. When trying 'reverse' all I get is a horrible grating of the gears. When the van does drive gear changing is not too bad although getting first to second is sometimes a bit of a battle. Also, I always have to put the clutch peddle right down on the floor when changing gear.
 
I may stand to be corrected but I understand it's a hydraulically operated clutch. Might be worth checking fluid level and if master cylinder is working
 
seized clutch at the moment and the gear linkage needs adjusting. both common problems
 
Thanks for your prompt replies. I had earlier popped into my local garage and described the problem to them as detailed in my post. Initially I had the usual sharp intake of breath and was told it was probably a gearbox fault which I found a bit hard to accept! They then backtracked a bit and said they would have a look at the van and give a more detailed diagnosis but admitted there could be other reasons for the problem. I'm doing this as the van is under warranty and I may need to make a claim if it proves expensive. I'll let you know how I get on.
 
Sounds like air has gotten into the clutch hydraulics

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Agree with the above - the clutch isn't disengaging fully. Air in the clutch hydraulics is a likely cause but don't accept your garage simply bleeding it to get rid of the air - it doesn't get in unless there's a fault & whilst removing the air by bleeding will restore clutch function the effect will be temporary. It is NOT a gearbox or gear linkage fault.
 
How far down can you press the pedal before positive pressure is felt......not just light return spring pressure.
 
On further investigation I have established that it is not an hydraulic clutch but cable operated. Will simply adjusting the cable fix it or is it more likely a clutch failure?
 
If its the same as Fiat 2005 it could be the cables corroded had mine changed twice 89,000 miles?
 
On further investigation I have established that it is not an hydraulic clutch but cable operated. Will simply adjusting the cable fix it or is it more likely a clutch failure?
You can but try it.

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If the van has been stood up it isn't uncommon for the clutch disc to stick/bond to the flywheel or/and pressure plate. If the area where it is parked is large enough it can usually be started in gear, with the clutch depressed and it usually releases. Done it on new cars often... may be wise to get someone who did it before.
Keep us posted.
 
On further investigation I have established that it is not an hydraulic clutch but cable operated. Will simply adjusting the cable fix it or is it more likely a clutch failure?
Cables do not stretch or go out of adjustment overnight.....you have a different problem.

I agree with jonkil above.
if its been stood sometime, especially if it was wet/raining when stored, it will probably be the clutch driven plate has stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate.

Make sure there is nothing behind you.
Clutch right down and brake pedal on hard, engage reverse and flick the ign key to shock the plate loose....DO NOT HOLD THE KEY TO START.....just flick it so the engine moves a bit.
if that fails it may be a gearbox out job.
 
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If the van has been stood up it isn't uncommon for the clutch disc to stick/bond to the flywheel or/and pressure plate. If the area where it is parked is large enough it can usually be started in gear, with the clutch depressed and it usually releases. Done it on new cars often... may be wise to get someone who did it before.
Keep us posted.

Sounds like that to me clutch plate has stuck to the flywheel to me to
 
Also, I always have to put the clutch peddle right down on the floor when changing gear.
Could be a clue. Adjusting the cable would be worth a try - takes 10 minutes & would eliminate clutch adjustment as the cause.

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Thanks for all the helpful replies. Managed to get the van going again using the methods recommended. Adjusted the cable and this has help considerably with engaging the gears and overall changing.
 
A good check that the clutch is clearing completely is when you engage reverse. Push the pedal down, pause for a second or so, then engage reverse. It should engage silently. Reverse is the only gear that does not have syncromesh: forward gears do and it's the action of the syncromesh that silently prevents engagement if the clutch is dragging.
 
A good check that the clutch is clearing completely is when you engage reverse. Push the pedal down, pause for a second or so, then engage reverse. It should engage silently. Reverse is the only gear that does not have syncromesh: forward gears do and it's the action of the syncromesh that silently prevents engagement if the clutch is dragging.
you beet me to it:crying:
 
Sounds like air has gotten into the clutch hydraulics
Thanks for this my gears wouldn't engage and the clutch pedal is nearer the floor garage attended my break down and pumped the clutch to get the hydraulic moving and said I may have a air lock in the pipe. Hopefully then I can back on the road tomorrow
 

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