Active 2011
Hi just wondering about gear change I have just bought my panda active I am finding gear changes to be very clunky is this normal I'm used to smooth change but find I am forcing the gears when changing up or down

Birdwatcher said:

Active 2011
Hi just wondering about gear change I have just bought my panda active I am finding gear changes to be very clunky is this normal I'm used to smooth change but find I am forcing the gears when changing up or down

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Absoultely not; the Panda gearchange is normally very good indeed.

Most likely cause is a dragging clutch, and the most likely reason on RHD cars for that is deterioration of the clutch hydraulic circuit (LHD cars have a cable clutch). Bleeding may help, but replacement of either or both of the master & slave cylinder may be required. Not by any means unusual.

Less likely causes are serious wear of the clutch itself, wear/corrosion in the gear selection cables, and seriously low oil level in the gearbox. We've seen all of these before on this forum.

Any competent mechanic should be able to pinpoint the precise cause.

Do not continue to drive it in this condition. Continued use with a dragging clutch will cause serious, permanent damage to the synchro rings, which will require the gearbox to be removed and dismantled to rectify.

I'd strongly recommend anyone owning any car with a hydraulically operated clutch (and that's most RHD Fiats) ensures that the clutch fluid is changed every two years (along with the brake fluid).

Thank you

Is it the same with the engine switched off. If so it could be the gear selector cables?


Just had to change mine for difficulty in selecting first. It would select fine of I moved the lever directly on the gearbox but hard to select via the gear stick.



This is just one possibility.


Its better to try and diagnose the problem before ordering any parts.

Worse with the engine off or on, particular gear, worse at the beginning or end of a journey and so on.

How does the clutch pedal action feel? It should be light, smooth and easy all the way down.

If it's heavy or feels stiffer part way down its likely the clutch is worn out. My previous Fiat felt like metal was being bent before the clutch actually released.
The Symptoms -
Engine running - gears wont select unless revs are well matched. first gear can be almost impossible to select.
Engine off - gears all select easily.

If the clutch is US, be sure to check the clutch operating arm. They can get bent when drivers force the pedal down.

You will need a full clutch kit and new slave cylinder. You might need a new clutch operating arm. Cost should not be more than £200 fitted.

AVOID the likes of Mr Clutch or Quickfit. Find a small local garage with good reputation. They want to maintain that reputation so will do a good job.