Stupid gearbox!!!

[Dibbler]

Sorry for dropping a problem as a first post

I have had a 406 1.8 glx petrol for years, it was 3 year old P plate when I bought it, but after years of trouble free motoring the engine let go a couple of months back, so I picked up a 2.1 diesel 406 (also on a P plate) to replace it.

I got in the diesel yesterday & it wouldn't let me select reverse, so I got a LITTLE more forceful with it (and I do mean a little, not forced it) and it went into reverse, but it's now stuck in reverse!

I can select 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th, but the gearbox still has reverse selected so the box is locked up. also, I cannot get back into the 5-reverse gate.

I still have the 1.8 so I could do a box swap if it will fit (I assume they will), but is there a known fix before I go down that route?

Naffed of in Bristol

[Busman]

I would be amazed if the boxes are the same between a 1.8 petrol and a 2.1 diesel. But if your luck is in, you may be able to swap over the broken bits.
Having read your post again, is the linkage between the gear lever and the box ok?

[steve_earwig]

The petrol gearbox is probably a BE while the TD's is definitely an ML. Even if it did fit the ratios would be wrong.

As Busman, is the fault inside the 'box? Can you see the cables moving the linkages?