Re: First to second gear

Here's the latest from my end. I dropped my car off on Wednesday to have it inspected today (so it can be left cold/undriven for a few days). Got a call yesterday saying that they've contacted Fiat AU, and apparently they'll be releasing a software upgrade/patch for the gearbox that would resolve this juddering/jerking issue. He said there's no major problem with it juddering/jerking in the meantime, so I'll have to go back in a few weeks time to have it updated. I wanted to post this after I've collected my car (which I still haven't) and spoken in full with the dealer (I was in a noisy place yesterday so I couldn't really hear him). I'll do a repost once I've spoken to him properly today.

Re: First to second gear

Ok, so I've picked up my car and was told that they have recalibrated the gearbox, tested it, and to them it was fine. I drove away, had no judder except once, which was relatively fainter/less noticeable. The dealer assured me that its in normal operation and that no damage was done whatsoever. Also reiterated that Fiat AU will be releasing a software patch in the coming weeks and I will be contacted to have the gearbox updated as soon as it is released.

So, guess there's not much I can do for now but to keep an eye on it and hope that patch will be released soon.. :shakehead

Re: First to second gear

Thanks for the info luvduvs ! I'm pleased that you're making some progress down there. I hope that this patch will be the solution although it will be interesting to see if they have any idea about it here in the UK. I'm going to call the dealer next week to let them know that the problem has reoccured and see what they suggest. I would be grateful if you could keep me posted with regards to the patch - send me a pm if you can. Good Luck !!

Re: First to second gear

Here's another update on the juddering from first to second gear. I haven't driven the car for a week until today, and the same problem is back :bang:

Re: First to second gear

That's pants...

Is it only when you use manual mode or in auto as well?

Also, how did you go with your RPMs issue?

Re: First to second gear

The problem is there when either in manual or auto..

I haven't had a chance to talk to the dealer (about the high RPM) since I picked up the car two weeks ago, but I suspect it'll have to go in again to be sorted out. This is what's pissing me off - I'm not prepared to use my annual leave because these morons can't get their acts together. And in the meantime, I'm writing a very detail complaint letter to Fiat AU right now..

Re: First to second gear

The last thing you should have to be doing is taking time off work to have your car fixed, I couldn't afford to do that.

Have you spoken to them about giving you a courtesy car while they attend to yours? That would make things easier for you.

Re: First to second gear

I haven't been able to make it back to the dealers yet but the problem still continues here as well and as with you it's always after not driving the car for about a week. It was pretty bad yesterday but no sign of it today !! You would think they would have some idea as to what it is or maybe it's a major fault that they know about but don't how to fix !!!

As soon as I'm back from a business trip it's going straight back and I will be asking for a courtesy car so that they they can keep it as long as they want. Will let you know. I'm getting more and more p..d off!

Re: First to second gear

Mate, I think I know exactly why you're pissed off because so am I! Come on, if they built the damn thing they should know about it inside out and should have at least a clue on how to resolve it. The dealer told me Fiat AU knows about this problem and is releasing a software patch for it soon (this was said two weeks ago).

I understand the point about asking for a courtesy car/letting them keep it for as long as they want/need, but when you think about it this is simply unfair on the owner because we used our blood & sweat money to buy/drive the car we want, not any old courtesy car.. and besides, I bought a new car because I thought new cars are more reliable - how wrong was I!!

(BTW we saw another GP driver today inside a car park (trust me its rare in Sydney) and waved at each other; but damn I should have asked if he was having the same problem as well.. :bang

Re: First to second gear

skyflyer said:

As soon as I'm back from a business trip

Click to expand...

Back yet?

Re: First to second gear

Here you are again!
I think I've found some of the other probs you mentioned in your reply to my Newbie post. Took a demo (1.4 petrol dualogic) for a test drive yesterday which shuddered from standstill - no matter how slowly or quickly we tried to take off to avoid it. Dealer suggested it was because of the tyres on the wet, but was definitely "inside" the car! Would really like to find out the real answer too.

Re: First to second gear

carokate said:

Dealer suggested it was because of the tyres on the wet, but was definitely "inside" the car! Would really like to find out the real answer too.

Click to expand...

I completely disagree - definitely gearbox-related! BTW which dealer was this?

carokate said:

Would really like to find out the real answer too.

Click to expand...

Me too.. in fact last night I sent emails to all the Fiat dealers in NSW asking for their assistance. Here's what I wrote:

Hi there,

I'm currently driving a four month old Fiat (Grande) Punto with Dualogic
transmission, built in July 06, and I have the following problem.
Whenever I move off from standstill in first gear to second gear (either
auto or manual mode), the gearbox judders/jerks quite violently for a
second or so. This usually happens when I have not driven the car for
about a week, and the problem goes away after about 15 - 20 minutes of
driving.

The dealer which I bought the car from has recalibrated the
transmission, but this didn't help. I've been told by the dealer that
Fiat is currently working on a software update which is suppose to
resolve this problem. To date I have not heard back from either of them
and hence I'm currently looking for another source of help. In addition
I've been told by other Fiat drivers (from Europe) there are several
possible explanations for this:

* Either the clutch plates have been worn and needs replacing, or
* There is an oil contamination on the clutch plates, or
* The transmission oil hasn't been warmed up for the initial period
of driving.

So I'm just wondering if you guys are aware of this problem, which
appears to be a common fault across all Fiat models.

I can be contacted on xxxx xxx xxx if you would like to discuss any of
the above in detail.

Thanks for your time & Best regards,
Kevin

And they replied:

Hello Kevin,

Thank you for you email. To date we have not seen the issue that you have
mentioned in a Fiat Punto. All three possible explanations you have put
forward are feasible. The clutch adjustment may need to be reset in addition
to the recalibration. This will require specialized tooling. I suggest you
contact your nearest dealer again if your concerns with the vehicle are
still present. The dealer will be able to seek technical assistance from
Fiat Australia if necessary. If you prefer, we can arrange a booking for the
assessment of this issue at our service centre here in Campbelltown.

Many Kind Regards,

Phil


Let's hope more will respond and that at least one of them could solve the problem!

Re: First to second gear

You know something rings a bell here......something about putting a 1/8th part drill into provided hole & adjusting something but cant remember what:bang: (gear switches?)

Re: First to second gear

T14086 said:

You know something rings a bell here......something about putting a 1/8th part drill into provided hole & adjusting something but cant remember what:bang: (gear switches?)

Click to expand...

Come on dude! Think think think!

Re: First to second gear

Cant........the more I try the more it hurts!

Re: First to second gear

Well here's an update - got a call this morning from a dealer (the one that exchanged emails with me) advising that an update was released in mid January and should resolve this juddering problem. Next week when I have some time I'll book the car in and hopefully have it fixed. Even though this dealer is quite far from where I live I won't mind the trip as I've always been stuck with city driving. I guess my question is, if it was released last month, why didn't my local dealer notify me? Either they're not aware of it, or they just chose to ignore me. Either way, the less I have to visit them, the better.

I don't want to get too excited just yet (in case it doesn't work), but I'm happy to know there is now a potential fix and that there are dealers out there who are willing to help out

Re: First to second gear

LuvDuvs, i think you got the right car, but from the wrong dealer mate.
I'd do the drive and work with another dealer.

yet again an instance of the dealer network letting down the brand! :bang: :bang:
as i mentioned in the PM there was a thing with mk2.5 clutch judder but that was a manual 'box not D/L. hope that isnt opening another can of worms!

Re: First to second gear

Here's another update: just got a call from another dealer in response to my email. He said he's never heard of the problem, nor is there an update from Fiat (he called them up a few days ago regarding something else). So I'm confused now - who's right? Regardless I think its still worth going to dealer [1] to see if they can help.

What does everyone think? Think its worthwhile mentioning this to dealer [1], or should I just keep quiet about it?

Re: First to second gear

I've contacted quite a few dealers in my quest to decide about the purchase. The "shudder" on Sunday was at Penrith, so call them.
(dealer in the car at the time!) There's a guy at Crows Nest who's been really helpful via email so I'd say he's a good one to contact too. Let me know how you go.

Re: First to second gear

I think I know exactly what dealer you are talking about Kevin, it's actually quite good to know the dealer that is closest to me is helpful. I'm from the Campbelltown area

Glad you got a response