Have an issue when changing into 5th gear , it made a loud noise , got someone to check it out and they said gearbox on way out, but it hasn't happened since.

 

Any ideas or help please 

 

 

 

 

 

Your car has the old 5-speed IB5 gearbox (Improved B(C)5 gearbox). 

The IB5 gearbox (1995 to 2018) is a further development of the old BC5 transmission (1982 to 1995). The BC5 gearbox was originally designed as the 4-speed BC4 gearbox (1976) and was basically a 4-speed gearbox with an added 5th gear.

Because of the design of this gearbox (4-speed gearbox with an added 5th gear) the 5th gear is installed at the highest position inside the gearbox and is very sensitive for lack of lubrication. If the oil level is low the 5th gear components will be the first parts that fail as a result of lack of lubrication.

Ford used to have the bad habit to only put a bare minimum of oil in the gearboxes during production to reduce costs. As a result of this even the smallest oil leak can easily result in gearbox damage.

You should check the gearbox oil level and if the oil level is low it should be topped up immediately.