Technical Gear crunching - in an automatic Abarth???

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Technical Gear crunching - in an automatic Abarth???

boywonder

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May 28, 2003
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Under hard acceleration my gearbox now seems to crunch the change from first gear to second, has anyone else had this problem? Doesn't sound at all good, especially for something that is more or less automatic. I can't remember if it is only in manual mode or both manual and auto but don't particularly want to test it out.

Basically, if I push the accelerator to the floor from a standstill and don't take take my foot off the crunch happens.

Gonna be interesting explaining this to the less than bright service department!

Steve

Fiat Stilo Abarth 3dr. Loden Green, Beige Leather, Sky Window, Cold Climate Pack, 17" Alloys, CD Changer, 260w 8 Speaker Stereo.
 
Yes, mine does this too, and so does another Abarth I heard when it was moving off from standstill. I'm not sure whether this is a general "ism" with gearboxes as my two previous cars (A-Class and Bravo) weren't that brilliant going from 1st to 2nd either.

Barbarian
3dr Stilo Abarth, Leather, Broom Yellow and Sky Window
 
Mine doesn't do this but isn't partcularly crisp from 1st to 2nd. This is esp when in Auto mode. Balancing the power when in manual mode (like the handbook says you don't have to!) seems quite smooth through all the gears even with a bit of fizz.

The gearbox is a standard manual 5 speed box with a standard clutch. A series of motors and a computer (known as the clutch robot) does the gear changing so you don't have too. This eliminates torque converters and automatic gearbox fuel consumption.

It might just be that your crunching means the clutch or the clutch robot needs adjusting. Check it out with a half decent dealer to find out. (Often the best dealers are the joint Fiat/Alfa sites as they have had Selespeed g/boxes and other such toys for a lot longer than Fiat have.

Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth
 
"Clutch Robot"??? How sweet! Lol. You better not be having me on Roja, if I go in to my service department and start talking about my robot and they give me funny looks I'll hunt you down! [8D]

Fiat Stilo Abarth 3dr. Loden Green, Beige Leather, Sky Window, Cold Climate Pack, 17" Alloys, CD Changer, 260w 8 Speaker Stereo.
 
It's true!!! - Although some call it the Selespeed Robot but always a robot!

If you can find a Fiat dealer that also services Alfas you will have the most hope of them understanding your problems. Alfas have had Selespeed for many years now....

Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth
 
yes your are right abuot the robot, its an electro hydrolic clutch controlled by a computer,its basicly a manual gearbox with hydrolics to control the gear change hents no clutch pedel broom yellow abarth 2003
 
Steve

Hope you aren't going to Priory to ask them,lol!

Sorry i haven't experienced the crunching. All i know is that changing from 1st to 2nd is not smooth, but then we all know that.

Bev
**metallic scilla red stilo abarth**
 
Craig - There are servos invloved but there is much more to it than that.

See here for more info:
http://www.ukcar.com/features/tech/gearbox/selespeed.htm


Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth with graphite wheels and all the toys
 
Not done anything about my crunching, it has only happened twice so far but I will mention it when my goes goes in; to have the tracking looked at (the steering is wiggling on acceleration but not due to torque steer and on gentle braking), to have the 12v socket in boot retrofitted, the rear armrest fitted, the rear passenger speaker sorted (so much for paying for the upgraded sound system when all you get is vibration noises) and anything else that drops off in the meantime stuck back on!

And no Bev, don't worry, wild horses couldn't drag me to Priory!

Fiat Stilo Abarth 3dr. Loden Green, Beige Leather, Sky Window, Cold Climate Pack, 17" Alloys, CD Changer, 260w 8 Speaker Stereo.
 
I too had a rattley speaker. Replaced under warranty and enjoying very good quality sound out of the system now. [8D]

Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth with graphite wheels and all the toys
 
Thats the big let down on the abarths. The slow changing gears, and solonoids which can stick on top the the gearbox. It was meant to be better that the alfa 147 but i dont think so , its still crap
 
That's a bit harsh. [:(!]

Selespeed technology is relatively new (compared to autos and manuals) and there probably is room for improvement. You can't blame Fiat either. The gbox is a Magnetti unit and similar units are used by Ferrari, Alfa, etc and almost exactly the same design is built by BMW.

At the end of the day, we all live in the real world where perfection does not exist and I for one enjoy my Selespeed immensely.

Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth with graphite wheels and all the toys
NOW FOR SALE - £9995ono
 
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