Technical Gear changing on 4x4

[mower]

Hi - looking for advice! I have just bought a 1989 Panda 4x4 and already love it to bits. I have never driven one before but do have a Seat Marbella that I've driven with no probs.
I have driven a myriad of cars but the gear change on this little Panda is beginning to annoy me!!

1st, 2nd, 5th and reverse no worries, the fun comes in 3rd and 4th.

Changing up from 2nd to 3rd is seldom very smooth as I can't seem to find 3rd very easily.
3rd to 4th is also a bit of a lottery often ending up with 2nd or trying to grind into reverse!
Going back down from 5th to 4th or 4th ot 3rd is also a bit of a trial.

Question? Is it me!! Is this a usual feature on a 4x4 or could there be something that needs attention in the gear linkages.

Any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks John

 

[jangcy]

It's common problem in Pandas....I'm not sure what type is in 4x4 but if I've got similar like on picture you may need to get something like here
http://www.allegro.pl/item524046354_zestaw_naprawczy_dzwigni_zmiany_biegow_fiat_uno.html
but I'm not sure if it's possible to get it on ebay.co.uk....

 

[Luke P]

I havent driven a 4x4 but in my CLX you sure as hell have to PUT the old girl in the gear you want to be in... If I don't plant the stick in the right place before dropping the clutch in Sparky it feels like Panda abuse!! Strange you should mention 4th as being a problem... for me 1st, 3rd, 5th and reverse are moody, 4th and second are good... 2 out of 6 aint too bad i suppose...

However if you make a point of doing what she wants then life is easy and there are no problems...

It might just be a case of getting to know the car a bit better... It certainly takes my bro and mum a while to get back into the swing of things with Sparky's box... Let it know who's boss!!

Luke...

 

[purple haze]

Ahhhhh...the dreaded 3rd gear 4x4 box..There are so many threads on here about this...just try the "search" box...more common than 1p tins of baked beans at Lidel...

kev

 

[mower]

Thanks Luke and Kev, glad it's not just me!!

Took her out yesterday and things are getting better, a positive approach as you say, certainly seems to help.

I'll explore this topic on the forum as suggested - can't wait to read all about it!!!

John

 

[Luke P]

No probs...

Of course it might be mechanical but it's probably best not to think about that unless you really have to ...

Luke.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Yes, sounds very much like the norm! The RAC and AA love it if ever they have to do a test run in the Panda (Sisley and 750L) after a breakdown. This isn't normal they say.....Errr.....Yes it is I say. It's A panda

Jon.

 

[L7 KVV]

I have trouble with third on my 2wd. if there are any revs on the engine at all it grinds like mad, especially on the way down the box.

Its a bugger as I only take it to work and back its always cold, and have to use heel-toe with the brake coming up to the lights to keep the engine from cutting ou.

 

[JimMagill]

I have trouble with third on my 2wd. if there are any revs on the engine at all it grinds like mad, especially on the way down the box....

Thats the syncro rather than the linkage... It will sound like that for the next 100,000 miles, lol

Jim