Technical getting stuck in gear when in traffic, heavy use.

[sherbsville]

Hi, since about January my car has been getting stuck in gear when I've been in heavy traffic, for say half an hour or so, or doing alot of changes, or at alot of traffic lights and roundabouts. It's not all the time.I've just spoken to the garage, who have just taken her out to try and recreate the fault for the third time. She doesn't fault for them. It's £50 each time, and I don't have the money. I need to go into the city for the dentist, and am too scared, as it only happens there, not in town. The city is about 15 miles away on a 60-70mph road. I guess Bubbles ain't a city girl.

The first time it happened I'd been in traffic about an hour (I did have a bad habit of staying in first and creeping forward, but don't do that now). I went to go into second, and couldn't change. The only thing I could do was stall, then I could get out of first. The last time I got stuck in first as I parked at the dentist. On the way home that day I couldnt get out of fourth on the dual carriageway, so just went in the slow lane. It hurt my soul. As I came off I was in neutral and couldn't find a gear. So I went to garage, who took it out, and it was fine for them.

I promise it's not me, I promise it's actually happening. Today the garage said they can't take her apart to look without feeling the fault. But he drove her 26 miles today, and Bubbles was fine.

Has anyone experienced this please, and how did you resolve it. It's really scaring me, and I've been avoiding going back to the dentist as I'm scared of the gears getting stuck in the city again. There's no bus, and my tooth is a nightmare.

I feel like they think I'm mental as it's fine for them. It happens in cooler weather as well as hot.

Thanyou so much in advance for any help.

I've just been told the L has 5 doors,but mine only has 3, so I might be in the wrong bit again. Sorry.

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

I assume it's the Dualogic gearbox. If so, check this thread:

The one and only Dualogic repair thread | FIAT 500 (2007+)

Ok, so we're had a discussion thread about dualogic issues for a few years now, and it's basically 41 pages of doom and gloom, offering little hope to new folks who come here looking for answers. So I'm starting this one to try to redress the balance. There are a few garages out there claiming...

www.fiatforum.com

 

[sherbsville]

Hello,

I assume it's the Dualogic gearbox. If so, check this thread:

The one and only Dualogic repair thread | FIAT 500 (2007+)

Ok, so we're had a discussion thread about dualogic issues for a few years now, and it's basically 41 pages of doom and gloom, offering little hope to new folks who come here looking for answers. So I'm starting this one to try to redress the balance. There are a few garages out there claiming...

www.fiatforum.com

oooh ok, tysm.

edit: I just looked, and am confused again. my car has a clutch, and is manual. Does it still have the dualogic? I hope not from what I've read. Feel really bad for the people in that thread.

 

[the green vanper]

Hmm, if it has a clutch it is not a dualogic. Good news then!

But I can't imagine how a manual can be stuck in a gear.

I have to reread the first post

EDIT: OK, it's perhaps more clear when I read it slowly Sorry.

Are you 100% sure you're pressing the clutch fully into the floor? Isn't there anything stuck behind the pedal? The floor mat?

 

[rmjbn1]

This is a common.problem, clutch slave cylinder is the usual culprit - not a big job.

Although it could also be the master cylinder, possibly the clutch itself.

Have you (or garage) checked the clutch fluid level?

This is on a Panda but the same as (3 door) 500. Putting some grease or oil under the slave boot might give you temporary relief:

 

[rmjbn1]

And yes, I'm afraid you've ended up in the wrong section again
The 5 door 500L is a very different car.
You'll probably get better response in the correct 500 section here:

FIAT 500 (2007+)

The internet's #1 online community and oracle for talk on all things FIAT 500 (2007+). Ask questions in the forum, fix common issues using our helpful guides, upload your photos to the gallery or buy and sell with the online classifieds.

www.fiatforum.com

 

[sherbsville]

And yes, I'm afraid you've ended up in the wrong section again
The 5 door 500L is a very different car.
You'll probably get better response in the correct 500 section here:

FIAT 500 (2007+)

The internet's #1 online community and oracle for talk on all things FIAT 500 (2007+). Ask questions in the forum, fix common issues using our helpful guides, upload your photos to the gallery or buy and sell with the online classifieds.

www.fiatforum.com

oh beeeep. whhhhy am i like this. beep. thankyou. gawds sake. i thought the L was for lounge. the state of me.

 

[sherbsville]

This is a common.problem, clutch slave cylinder is the usual culprit - not a big job.

Although it could also be the master cylinder, possibly the clutch itself.

Have you (or garage) checked the clutch fluid level?

This is on a Panda but the same as (3 door) 500. Putting some grease or oil under the slave boot might give you temporary relief:

Hi, thats brilliant, thankyou. I saw over the weekend after a random google of symptoms that sometimes new clutch fluid helps, so I had the Mot yest, and asked em to check it. It needs changing, so I'm taking it in tonight so they can do it in the morning. Thankyou for the video and help. I'm gonna do an oil and filter change myself after I've watched some videos about it, so this is another useful thing to learn. I've just fitted a ton of new copper pipe under the sink having never done plumbing before, and I'm out of control with I can do anything atm.

Thankyou again.

 

[sherbsville]

Hmm, if it has a clutch it is not a dualogic. Good news then!

But I can't imagine how a manual can be stuck in a gear.

I have to reread the first post

EDIT: OK, it's perhaps more clear when I read it slowly Sorry.

Are you 100% sure you're pressing the clutch fully into the floor? Isn't there anything stuck behind the pedal? The floor mat?

Hi, yes, it's all clear. I thought that too, and make a point of making sure my foots down. I thought maybe I was tired or something the first few times. But now my anxiety over it happening means I basically put my foot through the floor. One of the times the medhanic took it out, he said he experimented not putting it down all the way, and it didn't fault. I guess I have the energy of someone who can't fully depress a clutch, which is a valid concern.

 

[rmjbn1]

I feel like they think I'm mental as it's fine for them.

No you're not mental this is a real thing that happens. Well maybe you are mental. But that doesn't prove it

I know it can feel alarming, but it's hopefully a simple fault. There's a chance it could be the clutch itself but unlikely I think.

It sounds like classic hydraulic symptoms.

I'm a bit disappointed the garage charged you three times without examining the clutch hydraulics. A slave cylinder is a cheap and easy job.

Fingers crossed it's fixed for you soon

 

[rmjbn1]

Hmm, if it has a clutch it is not a dualogic. Good news then!

But I can't imagine how a manual can be stuck in a gear.

I have to reread the first post

EDIT: OK, it's perhaps more clear when I read it slowly Sorry.

Are you 100% sure you're pressing the clutch fully into the floor? Isn't there anything stuck behind the pedal? The floor mat?

Hi @the green vanper you always give good advice so I hope you don't mind if I make a couple of clarifications.

Right hand drive 500s and Pandas have hydraulic clutch operation in place of a cable, so these symptoms probably wouldn't show up on LHD cars.

Fortunately they're cheap and plastic so they don't cost much to replace.

Unfortunately they're cheap and plastic so cause issues especially when hot.

Secondly, Dualogic does have a clutch, just no clutch pedal. It uses the same gearbox and clutch as the manual transmission cars with a robot bolted on to operate the clutch and select gears. When it works.

Finally a general point, this thread is irrelevant to the 500L which has an internal clutch slave/release bearing.

 

[the green vanper]

Hi @the green vanper you always give good advice so I hope you don't mind if I make a couple of clarifications.

Right hand drive 500s and Pandas have hydraulic clutch operation in place of a cable, so these symptoms probably wouldn't show up on LHD cars.

Thanks @rmjbn1

Wow, can't even think of how putting a cable on the other side was complicated so the FIAT engineers and accountants decided to put a hydraulic system instead

Secondly, Dualogic does have a clutch, just no clutch pedal. It uses the same gearbox and clutch as the manual transmission cars with a robot bolted on to operate the clutch and select gears. When it works.

Yes, I'm aware that the Dualogic has a clutch, but not a clutch pedal. It was an oversimplification In my daily car I have a similar solution, except the operation is purely electric, which makes the system much easier. And personally I find this kind of robotized gearbox the best solution, especially for city traffic.

 

[rmjbn1]

Wow, can't even think of how putting a cable on the other side was complicated so the FIAT engineers and accountants decided to put a hydraulic system instead

I agree it does seem a strange choice :/

You wait till you see our brake pedal arrangement it's hilarious. The brake master is operated from the passenger footwell! Thankfully the passenger can't get at it

 

[The Panda Nut]

Also check and / or change the geabox oil. It can make a big difference.

 

[sherbsville]

No you're not mental this is a real thing that happens. Well maybe you are mental. But that doesn't prove it

I know it can feel alarming, but it's hopefully a simple fault. There's a chance it could be the clutch itself but unlikely I think.

It sounds like classic hydraulic symptoms.

I'm a bit disappointed the garage charged you three times without examining the clutch hydraulics. A slave cylinder is a cheap and easy job.

Fingers crossed it's fixed for you soon

Thankyou so much. My dad had been using that garage for years, and they had been good to him, so I've been using em since I started driving again a couple of years ago. I kept asking if they could just look at the clutch, and they kept saying no, they need to feel the fault, that's why I'm here asking for help. It feels bad, like cheating, but I'm gonna call some other places and see what they say. My dad was killed in March, and he'd be who I'd usually ask, so it's really hard. He'd have changed whatever needs changing before he started struggling to get up off the floor, and he would've known what was wrong now.

I think I may still be mental tho. Thankyou again.

 

[sherbsville]

Also check and / or change the geabox oil. It can make a big difference.

ooooh ok, thankyou so much.

 

[sherbsville]

Finally a general point, this thread is irrelevant to the 500L which has an internal clutch slave/release bearing.

Thankyou for the knowledge. Sadly I am an idiot, and thought the L was for lounge, so it was good to learn about my car. It isn't a 500L, but a 500. I am a big L.

 

[rmjbn1]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'd imagine if the garage know you they won't mess you around.

I'm gonna do an oil and filter change myself after I've watched some videos about it, so this is another useful thing to learn.

If you can do plumbing then yes you can absolutely do this

I don't even need to raise my Panda up to change oil and filter, just wriggle underneath.

Hopefully the 500 is the same for you, as long as you can loosen the sump plug and filter - they can be very tight.

12mm hex for the sump plug and I use a strap tool for the filter. Use oil to spec in the owners manual.

If you do need to raise the car for access, running a wheel up on a kerb is a good option if possible. Please stay safe and never get under a car with only a jack. And feel free to ask for advice if you need, plenty of friendly knowledgeable folk on here

And replacing a clutch slave isn't much harder, as long as you can get the battery tray out.

But try some oil (NOT WD40) under the slave boot first. I had a sticky slave in traffic a couple of years ago, put some grease on it and it's been fine since.

And if it does improve, then that will confirm it is the slave at fault.

 

[sherbsville]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'd imagine if the garage know you they won't mess you around.

If you can do plumbing then yes you can absolutely do this

I don't even need to raise my Panda up to change oil and filter, just wriggle underneath.

Hopefully the 500 is the same for you, as long as you can loosen the sump plug and filter - they can be very tight.

12mm hex for the sump plug and I use a strap tool for the filter. Use oil to spec in the owners manual.

If you do need to raise the car for access, running a wheel up on a kerb is a good option if possible. Please stay safe and never get under a car with only a jack. And feel free to ask for advice if you need, plenty of friendly knowledgeable folk on here

And replacing a clutch slave isn't much harder, as long as you can get the battery tray out.

But try some oil (NOT WD40) under the slave boot first. I had a sticky slave in traffic a couple of years ago, put some grease on it and it's been fine since.

And if it does improve, then that will confirm it is the slave at fault.

Hi, thankyou so much! The garage do know about Dad, and they've been lovely. Just frustrating to have to keep paying for them to drive her, and she behaves like a perfect lady.

I know Dad has everything in the garage, but it's a mess, (we were in the middle of going through it all, and I've made it worse since. It's like Mr Trebus from life of grime) and I cant face touching his things. He knew where everything was, I have no idea on the car stuff.

I was looking at trolleyjacks and chocks and stuff at halfords, but can't afford it, so knowing about the kerb is great advice. They do have a set with everything for £77, idk if they're good quality or not. I was just looking up the oil I need etc. Years ago Dad taught me to change the oil,but I've forgotten as I hadn't driven in years.

I think the grease should be on the shelf at the back, so I can grab that, as I need it for a dolly thing I got from the tip a couple of days ago.

When I've caught up with his allotment, and conifers out front (nightmare) I will watch some videos, and no doubt be back. Hopefully in the right place first time!

You've all been so lovely. A green fiat 500 has always been my dream car, and I never thought I would have one, esp as I couldn't drive for years. Dad got her for me, so I have to take extra special care of her. He was always so happy looking at her.

Thankyou again.

 

[rmjbn1]

I'm sure you and Bubbles have many happy miles ahead together

To future - proof Bubbles make sure the rear axle spring pans don't get too rusty, just a wipe with old engine oil every oil change will add years to its life.

And have a look at steveras57's 500 guide here:

500 - Fiat 500! things you should check once you get your car home

This thread is for the general discussion of the Guide Fiat 500! things you should check once you get your car home. Please add to the discussion here. steveras57 submitted a new guide: Fiat 500! things you should check once you get your car home These are the common problem areas on these...

www.fiatforum.com

For advice on safely working under your car, can't do better than Jock's guide here:

Raising and supporting light vehicles (ie. cars) - some thoughts and observations.

I recently posted some stuff on jacking and axle stand use in the thread "What's needed to run Multiecuscan" and several people "liked" it and Herts Hillhopper said he thought it should be moved to the guides section. I took another look at it...

www.fiatforum.com

They're both super friendly and helpful if you need anything