(T) Gearbox - 6 Speed - Punto Sporting 2003 Angry Face

Hi all,

2 questions:
Warranty; is it 3 years and does it cover the gearbox/clutch?

My Punto Sporting has done 19370 miles on a 2003 plate, I have owned the car for 8 weeks now and I have a problem with 3rd gear, either accelerating up the box or engine braking down the box from 4th.

It baulks badly when going down the box (I have to force it in and it makes a dreadful noise) and seems like there is a notch going up the box even when changing at 30 mph from 2nd.

When I first bought the car I didn't notice any notchiness at all.

I have booked it in at Olympian Fiat in Poole on Thursday of this week.

Will they charge me for looking at it or is everything free under warranty?

Any thoughts on the gearbox or how I should handle Fiat.

cheers,
ANDY

The clutch is a consumable item (like fuel and brake pads) so this wont be covered unless it is clear that it has failed as a part (ie a warped flywheel meant it wore down quicker).

Forcing the gearstick into gear will make the problem worse, never force it, keep pumping the clutch until it wants to go in.

A number of things might have happened;
1 The gearbox needs more oil due to a leak...
2 The synchromesh is damaged due to being forced into gear/e.g the clutch wasn't down properly.
3 The release bearing is damaged..
4 The flywheel has warped.

1 and 4 will be a free repair, 2 and 3 they can in theory charge you.

Taking the car in to be inspected under warranty will be FOC but the repairs if they think is due to driver error (synchromesh damaged, release bearing or clutch plate) they will want to charge you which can be anything upto £1500 (thats a recon clutch and gearbox fitted).

Hi, thanks for the heads up.

I don't think my driving style has damaged the clutch/gearbox and if it has I will need to sell the car because I feel a sporty car should be able to cope with (semi-) aggresive driving.
I certainly have not rammed a gear in when it didn't want to go.
I'll let you know what Fiat say on Friday.
ANDY

Not suggesting it was you and I agree with what you say hun.

Other people would have driven the car at some point and when your ragging the car its easy to slip a gear.

Good Luck with Fiat as because this is a common problem they are trying hard to get out of paying for it.

Hi,

Didn't mean to sound defensive, I do like to drive fast and change gear a lot but only after my engine is up to temperature.
I have read lots of horror stories concerning clutch/gearboxs going on Punto's, if it is a weak link I may have to change the car for something else.
I will have to see.
ANDY

Every car has a weak link and unless your spending £30,000 on a motor you'll find something wrong with it.

The gearboxes on fire engines have laser welds (rubbish) and plastic components (need I say more) however @ £50 a pop at the breakers yard its not too bad...

Would I get a 6 speed box for £50 at the breakers?

no chance,finding one is hard enough im afraid

Sorry £50 for a 5 speed, I bought a 6 speed for £150

There was a six speed box that went on ebay for £75 recently....

Did your gearbox fail?

ANDY

gearbox is covered by 3 year warenty, take it back to dealers

Hi Dave,

It's booked in for Thursday.

ANDY