General 1st gear difficult to select. Clutch cable adjustment needed?

[Andersh]

Hello FiatForum.

Seicento Sporting 1999 (T reg). If my Sei is rolling even slightly forward (and occasionally when stationary) then it’s difficult to get into first gear. Other gears are fine. I’m assuming this isn’t normal. Perhaps (hopefully) I just need the clutch cable adjusted as mentioned in FAQ and here?

Might be relevant: sometimes get a slight crunch when going into reverse, yes I am stopped . Clutch cable snapped 6-8 months ago and ended up getting a whole new clutch.

FAQ forum here is a great, although for someone with a 1999 Sei the recalls FAQ makes slightly worrying reading.

 

[StoneNewt]

Yeah first thing adjust the clutch, I find if the peddle is set back by more than about 2" from the brake peddle it'll cause mischief with the gears but if it's dead level with the brake peddle it's a not totally engaged!

 

[Andersh]

Thanks for the quick reply . I’ll get it booked in down the garage. Shouldn’t take long or cost me too much by the sounds of it and might make life a whole lot easier. Fingers crossed.

 

[StoneNewt]

go to the garage to adjust the clutch? You nuts?... 2x 10mm spanners is all you need. If you open the bonnet and stand in front of the car at the front to your right you'll see a long threaded rod connected to a metal arm. I never get this right but I think that turning the nuts clock wise pulls the rod through the arm tightening the cable and causing the clutch peddle to rise. The rest is adjustment through feel

 

[Andersh]

Thank you, I had no idea it was that simple. I’ll definitely give that ago. I’m not clear on what “120mm travel measured from pedal to steering wheel base” means?

Adjustment through feel = get correct level, give it a drive, then try a bit each way and see if it improves?

 

[h2ypr]

When adjusting it, you should physically see the pedal moving towards you, not the floor. Get someone to watch to make sure your adjusting the correct way.

Ross