Hi Guys,

I was driving on the A406 on Sunday, changing into 5th gear when the gear stick went completely loose in hand. I managed to pull it over onto the side (parked on a grassy bank). RAC said it was the Gear selection Cable had broken. They managed to lock it into third gear so I could drive home (followed me all the way).

I am going to my mechanics as soon as they open. Is this an easy job to fix? How much is this looking to cost roughly? Should I look for the part myself? It is a Punto Mark 1 55s.

not that hard rly

autodata shows 42mins to fit new cable

It looks like there's 2 cables, so it's important to know which one is is snapped if you're planning to order the part yourself - see here.

also check if cable didnt just slip off the socket

Cheers for the replies!

Fingers crossed it has just slipped off. I am still waiting for the call from the mechanic.

Eklipze3k said:

It looks like there's 2 cables, so it's important to know which one is is snapped if you're planning to order the part yourself - see here.

Click to expand...

There is one cable in that diagram.....

One is a cable selector and there is a rod style selector (one for side to side movement and the other forward and back). The other cable is the reverse inhibitor cable.

I very much doubt it has just popped off, the RAC man would have just stuck it back on and then he wouldn't have had to follow you and stuff, its not hard. I will either be snapped cable or broken bracket at one end (most likely the actual cable). Cable is easy to fit, less than an hours labour in a garage - cable itself i believe is £50-60 at retail price

Confirmed it's the cable that needs replacing. He said that it will take two weeks to order from dealers. Is it worth me getting second hand from scrap yard/ebay?

thats entirely upto you fella - new one will prob out last the car - scrap yard parts are always an unknown quantity.

That said i use parts from scrap yard quite often, but if you are going to be paying for someone to replace the parts for you it could get expensive. If you gonna change the parts yourself i'd say go for it - only inconvenience if it breaks then is having to do it again if your 2nd hand part breaks.

Not going to change it myself, but am going to find the part. So far best option is £26 (including p&p 4 month warrenty) from a scrap yard. Good price? Or should I keep looking?

Have a word with Big Mick at http://www.eurocarcare.net - he doesn't have it listed on their website but may be able to get it quicker and cheaper.

Cheers, just emailed him.