In my new Panda, (well, 2017), I notice engaging reverse causes a light crunch / slightly rough engagement. I confirmed that this doesn’t happen in my older Panda. I’m going to try it in my granny’s 2015 Pop tomorrow in case it’s ‘normal’ for the new 1.2s.

Is this something I should get FIAT to look at under warranty? I know they won’t touch a clutch as it’s a wear and tear item but this must be a linkage / synchromesh / gear selector apparatus problem? 8 months left of warranty so if so need to act quickly.

All but the longest wait after a stopped car, clutch to the floor and wait 2 seconds before engaging will cause a slight noise. It’s like it’s not going into gear smoothly.

Any pointers? Should I ignore it?

Sounds awfully like a dragging clutch. As to why it's dragging? - a number of possibilities. Crunching gears, even slightly, is not a good idea long term so I'd be pestering the dealer to get it fixed (I presume under warranty?)

Do I understand correctly that you are telling us it doesn't do it if you depress the pedal and wait a couple of seconds before trying to select the gear? As you are probably aware, reverse gears do not usually incorporate synchro clutches. So if you are going from idle (just under 1,000 rpm on many cars) The clutch driven plate and about half the guts of the gearbox will all be spinning at this speed and will need a short length of time to spin down if they are not to crash on engagement. I think the ultra thin gearbox oils being used now a days exacerbate this as they exert far less drag on the gearbox internals. I have always paused briefly after depressing the clutch pedal before attempting to select reverse - As I depress the pedal, when it hits the floor, I say to myself "Slingshot rail" (I'm into drag racing) "one banana" does nicely too, and only move the lever then. Both my older boy and my daughter used to select reverse almost as they depress the pedal and consequently were crashing the gear on every attempt. "slingshot rail" cured it entirely! I despair though because they both, despite my advice, will tend to sit at traffic lights with 1st engaged and foot on the floor on the clutch ready for "the off"

SB1500 said:

Should I ignore it?

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Yep. Ours does it if you don't give time to settle down for a few seconds, as noted.

Meantime, it is a much more serene drive than the old model no? Smooth as silk.

AB100 said:

Yep. Ours does it if you don't give time to settle down for a few seconds, as noted.

Meantime, it is a much more serene drive than the old model no? Smooth as silk.

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Oh yes. Even in a week of driving the new one, going back to the old one felt FAST, but rough. And the brakes needed to be near the floor before they cut in, while the new Panda will nearly lift off the ground with half the force! The steering feels very numb on the old model compared to the new one, which is a little sharper, but “still a Panda” in a good way! It’s easier to cruise at the right speed though. I feel there’s a computer having its say somewhere at all times with the new model, but regulating it in a way that rewards you when driving the car properly, and nearly punishing you when you try to floor it. But to me, this is a welcome way of ensuring I look after my car and don’t take even small risks like pulling out too quick.

I’m really enjoying the new model. Just noticing that crunch made me panic thinking I’d got a lemon or something!

Both the 2014 & the 2017 Cross do it, as has been correctly stated the gearbox internals need to spin down to get a good and quiet reverse engagement. If this is been happening a lot change the gearbox oil as it could be contaminated with swarf.

My previous Panda - a 100HP so a six-speed 'box - had a persistent crunch from new - didn't matter how long you waited for the 'box to stop spinning. Took some persuading but the dealer eventually agreed there was an out-of-true clutch plate and changed it under warranty. (Only real problem I had with the 100HP.)

babbo_umbro said:

My previous Panda - a 100HP so a six-speed 'box - had a persistent crunch from new - didn't matter how long you waited for the 'box to stop spinning. Took some persuading but the dealer eventually agreed there was an out-of-true clutch plate and changed it under warranty. (Only real problem I had with the 100HP.)

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Was it then silent.. or just improved?

varesecrazy said:

Was it then silent.. or just improved?

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It was fine - declutch - wait a couple of seconds - engage reverse - no crunch.