my gear box kept locking making it difficult to change gears,the van stalls when in first gear and stops abruptly in a traffic for a while.my local mechanic had a go at it by changing the disc plate but did not solve the problem,he's changed what he claims to be the master disc plate again although i've not gone for a drive i'm not convince the problem is solved,can you help?

d franklin, April 2009

with it being a 51 plate i take it its the newer shape transit, if so under the van where your gearstick comes through there should be a box with two cables going into it, these are known for stretching over a period of time time causing the exact same problem you have stated, you could try adjusting them yourself of have ford put new ones on, its not a big job so shouldnt be too expensive

sonic, April 2009

I'm not too sure what is going on here, but I imagine that the clutch is the problem, rather than the gearbox? The mechanic should change the pressure plate, friction plate and thrust bearing to do a proper job - and clean the gearbox input shaft thoroughly before putting it back together.

John, April 2009