Hola !

Previously I had a "sloppy" clutch pedal for sometime.
This was adjusted when I had the gearbox oil changed (about 1 yr ago).

Recently however I have had "gear selection" problems.

When the car is "cold" gear selection is "normal".
As I drive along, gear selection becomes "abnormal". This means selecting "First" becomes very, very difficult. And then "impossible".

Once "Barchie" has been running awhile, it has to be "turn off" when I want to select Reverse gear (if not there is a "whirring and grinding" noise ...and I won't force it past that point).

I am guessing it's the clutch that needs replacing ?

Is this a "Fiat" job (recently had "belts and pump" replaced by Fiat as it looked a "specialist" job) or can the clutch be replaced by a "competent garage ?

Gracias X

Is the bite point of the clutch really close to the floor?

Do you know what oil they used last time and can you check the level?

Hi Pete


Thanks for the reply.
I'll do my best to give you more info and answer your questions.


The bite isn't "hellishly" low.
Although I'd say it was "sharp" in 1st gear.
I've driven cars previously with very sharp and very low bites and this is not like them. Are okay (when it first starts moving).


I don't know what the gearbox oil used last time (about 1 year ago), but it was done at a Fiat dealership, so I imagine they used the "standard replacement".


The level now... I wouldn't know how to check (sorry).


NOTE. The mechanic said he had adjusted the clutch last time I recall.
But it's not as low as it was prior to him adjusting it.


NOTE NOTE ! When I start driving, the gear changes "seem" okay (ish).
After a short while they get "stiff". Slowing down to a stop and selecting 1st, the gear feels "notchy".
After awhile selecting 1st (at a stop) is a case of selecting 2nd and then quickly back to 1st....and then being able to pull away.


Selecting reverse (to park) after driving is a real drama !
If you try there is a "whirring" noise and it won't go in. Rather than force it, I turn the engine off, select reverse ...and re start !


Clutch ? Linkage ? Gearbox ? Heeelp !

I would suggest that the clutch has had it. When I replaced mine I found that the central plastic piece in the middle of the plate had melted and deformed.

It's possible that it works on cold and when it starts to get warm the plastic piece just doesn't have enough form to maintain operation, melts a bit more type of thing.

I managed to replace the clutch myself, scrabbling about on the floor and with a poor set of tools so a competant garage should be able to manage it I would expect. The tricky bit is understanding that the engine mounts need to be loosened so that the engine drops down and forward to enable access to the stupid alternator right at the back of the engine bay and which has to come off to allow gearbox bell housing and engine block to come apart.

Did I say alternator, I meant starter motor at the back, plus the plastic thingy in the middle of the plate is the bearing I think.

Worth checking your gearbox oil. I have a slight leak that I 'manage' and before I knew about this, the gearchange could be awkward - keep it topped up and gearchange is perfect.