Driving today the automatic gearbox failed but I was able to drive a short distance on manual but then that failed too. Then the car died. I was really lucky as it died at a red traffic light and the person behind me helped me push it off the carriageway. After a while, I tried it again and it started. I was able to drive the very short distance home with automatic gears working fine. However, I am now terrified of going out in the car again in case this happens in traffic. The car is a 61 reg - December 2012. I have had it for three years. Although I am sure this is just a coincidence - I had just filled it up with petrol. Has anyone got any ideas? A horrible experience - my heart is still racing - and that was in a relatively safe place!

I have looked through the many other complaints about the semi-automatic gear box. Has anyone found the definitive answer to this problem? My car has been with gear box specialists (not Fiat specialists) for three days now and they cannot solve the problem. Apparently, none of the codes are coming up and it is driving ok. Will it stay ok though? Thank you in advance for any further help.

Have you ever checked the gear box oil level? It should be done according to the service interval, my one is due for one now at 24k miles and it does appear to be at min when pressurised. I am trying to find a way to depressurise the system, MultiECUScan does not have a gearbox module for the gearbox ecu unlike the 500, so I assume either leaving the bonnet open overnight or removing a fuse/disconnecting wiring harness.

It is the white reservoir close to the battery.

If it needs topping up it should be done when the system is depressurised (get rid of the fuse for the gearbox, some say it's the big green one, not too sure about the number - or the wiring harness for the gearbox module) about halfway as some people on other Fiat's have reported that maximum is too much for the system (factory fill is usually a green line, mine doesn't have one). It should be checked preferably after a while when the pump is not on, maybe the next day overnight. You should use CS Speed.

Then, I'd recommend checking the fuse as another post has suggested.

Does the pump make the buzzing sound when you open the door?

Do not top up the oil when the system is pressurised. You will overfill it that way!

Then I'd recommend researching the dualogic failure thread, it might be of some use of diagnosing the issue. Many people complain to Fiat about early premature damage of clutches etc. so do read about it.

Also, troubleshoot using this guide.

Thank you Lord Metro. I really appreciate your very detailed response. I don't know my way around car engines so will take some time to work through all the solutions that you have suggested. It was extremely kind of you to take so much time to help me. Thank you again.