Hi, my name is ***** ***** I will be happy to assist with this today. In some cases, I may need more info to assist better. I apologize for any delay.
I try to be here most weekdays and some weekends. If you respond and I do not respond back right away I will do so as soon as I can.
Usually, with a grinding noise and gear engagement issue, this is a fault internal in the transmission with a gear synchro not lining up or gears not lining up properly which may also be causing a fuel consumption issue. I have also seen issues in some cases with the clutch pressure plate failing needing to be replaced but usually if it was the clutch itself or pressure plate all gears are affected and usually, fuel mileage is not affected.
In this case, the transmission/gearbox will usually need to be removed to inspect the clutch and pressure plate for any issues and if o.k. then the transmission/gearbox itself has to be inspected internally to then locate and repair this issue here.
Unfortunately, this has to be done to help pinpoint and repair this issue here. I do suspect a fault internally in the gearbox, but without seeing it myself it's difficult to say for sure from here.
If more help is needed, use the reply tab to continue our conversation. If no further assistance is needed, kindly rate my service, your 5-star rating is appreciated ( should be a link to click on here or above). You can rate at any time and we can continue to work on your question as this will not close out your question. I work on delivering the best answer and help here but in some cases, it can be difficult to do without seeing the vehicle.
Thanks, Pete