My car has been running fine until today, whilst driving I went to put it into third gear and the gearstick became really loose and wouldnt go into third gear, meaning it was stuck in second gear. After stopping the car the gearstick then became really stiff and will not go into any gear. I am sure it is still currently still stuck in second gear as I am still able to get it moving without the use of the gearstick. Any help or assistance on what I could do it resolve this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

hi,unfortunately on the end of line mk2 puntos fiat used second rate gear cables and they often break by 60,000 miles giving no gears
cheapest solution is a second hand linkage from an earlier scrap car,these usuallly cost £25 from a breaker

Hi Guys, I am a noobie here and I have the exact same problem on my 04 model. Gear lever just went and is now flopping back to front, wont move side to side at all. Thankfully like our original poster I got stuck in 2nd as well and could get the car home. I have now purchased a whole set up from a local breaker, complete with gear lever (25 quid). I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of some nice images of the work required.

After looking at the plastic housing for the gear lever, it has 4 bolts which hold it in place once it has been pushed through the floor. To replace this, is it as simple as undoing those 4 bolts and insert the new one?

Also are there any little tricks to feeding the cables through to front end. Obviously im thinking there is a route for them to go to avoid them getting caught up in anything.

Thanks in advance.

Problem sorted, the only major unforseen difficulty was the fact the centre console cannot be dropped out the floor until the exhaust has been moved. If the front end is disconnected, close the flexi joint, then the exhaust can be moved enough to drop the centre console out and replace. The little fiddly clips at the front end are a real test of patience but it is done now.

cable can be replaced in situ of course if two wheels on big kerb or axlee stands used
just a bit fiddly if base of gear linkage box has seized fasteners
get the right cable though

Whilst doing this job I realised that just changing the cables is not a very likely scenario and I would love someone to either confirm or to tell me I am wrong.

Whilst changing the whole set up, the screws which hold the plastic housing for the gear lever together, looked very rusty (they are roadside so its no surprise). They also looked to be tapped into the plastic, so much that I am concerned that if I try to open them they will just wreck the plastic and prevent me from fitting new ones. Has anyone had this issue when trying to replace cables?

As I looked at the plastic housing, it really looks to me like it a whole new setup if it needs properly fixed. I cant see how I can open up that housing then get it closed again, without it being in tatters.

Hi mate,

Ive done a fair few cable replacements, in fact just done another set on a 2b today. If your referring to the cover above the exhaust directly below the gear stick that gives you access to the cable connectors at the stick end, then although as you say they are normally rusty due to being so exposed, I've never had any give me any major issues.

Alan

Thanks mate. Good information to know. I was a bit worried when I tried to put new screws in it would just tear the plastic.