Nissan QashQai Forums

Hi, my 2014 1.2 dig t manual has developed a nasty gearbox problem. When it’s warm I can’t get into second gear. Car has done under 60k miles. I was hoping it might be a linkage problem but it allows me to select all gears easily when I turn it off. I do have a heavy clutch and might be adding to the problem but I would imagine that all the gears would be affected if that was the case. Usually starts to play up after 30mins of driving, some times sooner. Chances are it’s probably a worn internal part but I’m hoping a gearbox oil change might help. Does anyone know the oil capacity for a j11 1.2 manual gearbox? Trying to eliminate the cheap options first. Also, could worn engine/gearbox mounts cause this? Thanks in advance

Welcome to this forum - first point of call - the handbook!

These FWD manual gearboxes are very simple...not very simple to remove though as with RWD. Nissan diagnostics provide no fault info in this, so anything common is not indicated. Its a peculiar fault which could be a lube problem? Lack of lube and/or heat build up = excessive expansion and not necessarily with a linear effect.

Bearings is the most common problem that I have experienced and they are not normally special.

If you know of a local gearbox specialist you might visit for an opinion. Such companies refurbish this stuff at the drop of a hat. Nissan will be after you for very big bucks for an unnecessary new gearbox.

Thanks for the replies, I do appreciate it. I must get a copy of the handbook. Always had a Haynes for every car I’ve owned except this one. It’s not long come out of extended warranty. Typical timing. I’ll give a fluid change a try first, then if it’s no better I’ll try a specialist. I always try to avoid dealership repairs unless it’s covered. Thanks again

If you don't have a handbook then I can send you a PDF.

gloucester wrote: ↑Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:43 am If you don't have a handbook then I can send you a PDF.

That would be awesome! Save me a lot of trouble and bending the forums ears for info. Pm you my email? Thanks!

Nuckingfuts wrote: ↑Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:16 am

gloucester wrote: ↑Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:43 am If you don't have a handbook then I can send you a PDF.

That would be awesome! Save me a lot of trouble and bending the forums ears for info. Pm you my email? Thanks!

If you get into nuts/bolts see if u can let us know the fix

Will do

Update:
I changed the gearbox oil (was easier than I thought, didn’t even have to jack the car up, good job I’ve been on a diet) The old oil was horrendous, really dark brown and cloudy, not transparent at all. Cold gear changes felt better and just did a reasonably long drive with no problems at all. Fingers crossed it’s a fix or a suitable bandage that should last a while. Thanks again for the replies!

Another update. The problem continued after this and steadily got worse. I managed to get the gearstick to jam whilst the engine was off which led me to believe it was either worn gear linkage or internal gearbox, not clutch, flywheel or engine mount. I decided to look at the cheapest first and take the gearstick surround apart and discovered a pile of black plastic dust around the base where the gearstick rubs against the mount for 1st and 2nd gear but the stick lifts over it to go into reverse. So what’s happening is the stick is moving slightly into the slot for reverse when trying to access 1st or 2nd gear and actually locking me out. Where it’s quite a fine tolerance its not easy to get backed off just enough to slot into 1st or 2nd, especially when in a fast change or panic as it’s locked you out and your holding up traffic.
So I ordered a second hand gear selector unit from an 18plate, but in my stupidity and effort to get the right part I forgot to check the item location on eBay and am now expecting my part to arrive from Lithuania in just over a month!
In the mean time I have done a temporary fix by gluing a 1mm piece of plastic to the side of the gear stick where it slides against the mount to replace the worn plastic. Hopefully hold until the part arrives. Seems to work a charm so far and I’m currently learning to not be so heavy on the gear changes.