Over the last few weeks gear selection has been rather notchy, and it feels like I'm having to change gears with a gearbox full of crap. It is especially apparent in 2nd gear but happens throughout all the gears.

E.g. Setting off in 1st and changing up into 2nd at roughly 1700rpm it shows resistances as it the lever goes from central position left into 2nd gear. The car has done 36,000 miles and the majority of the time it has spent its life in 5th gear (motorways mainly).

It it is a 1.3 diesel with a 5 speed manual gearbox (I've checked the slave cylinder travel on the gearbox and it looks to be working fine).

Has anyone else had this problem before? When brand new it was smooth as silk but now it feels like I'm changing gears in something that's made out of cheese.

could be a selector cable (there are 2 one which regulates the up and down motion and the other left and right)

They are rusted on the ends where they poke out of their sheaths. Do you think it could be a case of rusted cables = poor gear selection?

NachtDerUntoten said:

They are rusted on the ends where they poke out of their sheaths. Do you think it could be a case of rusted cables = poor gear selection?

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yes try blathering them in oil *(dont use wd-40) as it doesn't have any really long staying lubricating power

work the gear leaver back and forth

then wipe off any excess and any rust that has loosened

Alright I'll try that and report back once I've done it.

Hi
we have got a Punto Grande 1.3 Multijet Diesel, 08 plate, done just under 50000 miles. Had the same problem on and off for a week or so and this evening the gear selection jammed completely.
Had to get Green Flag out, they think gear selector cables frayed and/or jammed. These things always happen on a Friday evening when all garagees are closed so got a tow home.
Our local mobile mechanic will get the car on Tuesday to see what has happened.
Will report also what the issue is in case it helps other owners.

Update: as expected one gear selector cable was jammed and had to be replaced. The towing also seemed to have shortened out the starter motor as the car refused to start after having been dropped off at home with Green Flag.
So had to have starter motor fixed and cable changed. Cost £210.- all in
Car back and running again

P.S. : apparently the cables in this model cannot be cleaned / greased by the way. They have fixed end caps to prevent dirt getting in and consequently cannot be cleaned / lubricated. They have to be replaced. Most likely reason for jamming is that they fray inside and get stuck that way (rather than a build up of dirt)
Just in case this is relevant for anybody else