i have an NA fairlane 6..
i think my gearbox is shot..
If i put the manual selector in 1st it dosent seem 2 go in.. n stays in 2nd..
i hav 2 rev it hard of the line 4 it 2 finally get movin..
i took an identicall one for a drive n it was really responsive n the selector seemed 2 work..
i guess it needs some kind of service..?

Sounds like clutches or bands slipping. The 4-speed autos don't like to be used like a manual gearbox either. I stuffed mine up changing from D to 3 going down the West Gate bridge regularly (instead of riding the brakes). Ended up with handfuls of aluminium spagetti when the gearbox sump was removed.

What's the fluid level in the gearbox like?

the fluid level will help make it shift when you move the stick. I know when my level is low coz it wont let me shift anymore.

yeah sweet..
thought it was somethin like the bands..
the manual says 2 ajust one band from the outside of the box n the other from the inside..
the fluid level looks alright ay.. n the color is nice n red...
havnt dropped the pan jet so dont know if the filter got any spag noodles in it.. haha..

its in limp mode mines doing it now i receted the computer just before it hasn't done it since but once my ecu re learns i reckon it will start again it means the box is on its way

why dont they like to be used like manuals?

ive been doing it in the ED since i got my licence and its been ok.

nahh they dont like it it strains the bands mines on its way out now and its only done 120000 kms

Must just be your box because I use the gears when I have to, mainly when towing a car trailer and it's never given me a problem in over 12 years. I do have a cooler though.
As for the NA, I think you guessed right, a proper service is needed before you can know much more.
Paul

I quizzed the people that replaced the gearbox and they reckon it's the forced load on the clutches. I'm not a transmission specialist so I'll have to take their word. Perhaps changing up through the gears is OK but manually dropping gears puts too much strain the valves, clutches & bands. I wanted to beef up some of the internals, but I'm told the BTR can't be modified (like a C4). I was also warned off installing a shiftkit for the same reason. Oh well...when it craps itself next time, I'll change over to a manual gearbox.

i also had another problem... when i had the power switch on and the jewel lit up on the dash sometimes randomly it would filicker on and off n i could hear a relay goin nuts somewhere.. i found that when i jiggled some wires under the steering wheel it would cause the relay to flick on and of.. so i found the transmission control unit pulled it out.. opened it up n found one of the tracks had burnt out so i wacked a bit of solder on it plugged the module back in took it 4 a test drive.. still no first but fixed the relay prob.. buuuuttt.. i fried the whole unit cause the car wouldnt go out a drive i was stuck in 4th when taking off the lot... sooooo i went n picked up another module from the wreckers $70 later i plugged the new module aannnnnddd nope no first.... so i guess its a solenoid inside the box... i know 1st gear don hav a band... n my fluid level is good... has anyone been inside the BTR..?? anyone got a map so i know where 2 look when i drop the pan..???