One other thing i ought to mention is when i select reverse the rpm raises by 100 rpm?? Any clues to whether this is linked to my problem??

Could be oil pressures in the gearbox.. The F seal is pretty much working or not as far as I know.

Hi again, unfortunately took the car out on 2 runs today and it seems reverse has disappeared altogether!!! Anymore suggestions would be greatly appreciated....

I suppose to think positively could it not be something simple like the selector position needing adjusting? The bit that joins the gear leaver to the box. You’ll have to get under the car to see. It’s hidden behind a heat shield on the NS of the box.

Might not be but I’d be starting there after a scan

sounds silly but do you have the correct amount of ATF in the gear box ? as it warms up it will expand and then the correct level is there and it will select reverse but when cold only forward gears will be able to be used failing that i would say the F seal on the box have given up the Go, if the gear boxes are serviced every 20k they are fairly good units, i am yet to report any kind of fault on my box and its now on 151k and its still silky smooth, i do a full oil and filter change every 15-20k and keeps it in tip top condition,
i use this stuff every second box service
http://www.wynnsusa.com/pdf/spec-she..._Flush-Kit.pdf

and then follow normal filling and service +++
best i can do sorry

I seem to remember a recall for a gear selector cable. I think there's something about it in the paperwork I got with my car. I'll try to find it

Many thanks for all the responses.++++++

Sorry I can't be more helpful but the invoice I have states "WARCUS Carried out 37D5 update" I'm sure the previous owner said it was a gear selector cable recall

Indeed it was. But it was to modify the cable so that the car could not be started in reverse if my memory serves me right.

Ian will not doubt back the librarian to the hilt with the right answer! :p

It sounds like the reverse seal has died.

Unfortunately it's buried inside the gearbox and is one of the first things go into the gearbox when you build it up from nothing.

MG