I have an '05 MC with ~93K on it. I noticed yesterday that it seems to be harder to shift into gear, especially 3rd. When I shift from 2-3, it feels like the the shifter is getting caught on something near third, and then I have to not really force it into place, but more like "find" the gear. It's not so bad downshifting. And neutral seems to be a bit wonky too.. almost like you have to find it. Sorry, this is kind of hard to explain.

Sooo.... is my transmission going?

 

Maybe, but it may be low on fluid. That's where I would start.
And look for leaks, etc.

Also, there are few strands of the wiring harness that are above the shifters moving parts - the ones on the tranny. Maybe one of them are in the way.

These are under, um, you have a Cooper -the battery.

I'm a little foggy today. Allergies are making me take lots o drugs.

 

Thanks for the tips! I will check those things out.

Just as an update, the shifter seemed to be working better today, after working worse yesterday. Fun, yes?

 

With your mileage, the shifter cables might be stretched out a bit. That could effect shifting.

 

I was going to say, it could just be that your cables are just getting worn out. None of what you described is so bad as to make me think it is the transmission itself.

 

What about clutch, couldnt that effect it going into gear?

 

So after the car acted fine for a few weeks, it's really gone downhill now. This morning, I couldn't move the gearshift into any gear except 3rd and 4th. I played with it for a while and I was able to get it into 1st and 2nd while not moving (car was on).

I check the clutch/brake fluid and it's fine. Although, maybe unrelated, the tire pressure light came on the other day. I thought it was just because I had 4 heavy-ish adults in the car (the tire pressure is fine).

ETA: I haven't check the shifter cables. My husband said he would do that when he gets home from work tonight.

Any ideas?

 

With that many miles on the clock, I suggest replacing the tranny fluid, lubing the cable and shift linkages, and flushing the brake fluid in the clutch slave cylinder. You may want to do a complete brake fluid flush, if it hasn't been done.