Technical New clutch-no first gear

[dawson420]

Hi all again,
I recently posted a post Clutch pedal and smoke, sadly no advice was given, but managed to get some information from a couple of friends, who pointed out it must be a clutch bearing that had gone. I managed to drive it to a garage that someone advised, as my two local garages couldn't fit me in for 3 weeks, as i was hiring a van to be able to work, that would have been a costly exercise, the garage was kind enough to fit me in this last week, and changed the clutch, and charged me £486.
After picking the fiat 1.3 Doblo multijet up and driving it home, i found i was having problems finding first gear, and didn't like much going into 2nd, 3rd and 4th. when i managed to get home and put it into reverse it kept jumping out. I drove it today and 1st is becoming a danger, especially at the lights or a junction when i can't find it. When the cars engine is turned off, the gears work perfectly, so have started putting it in first before i start the van. I've taken it back to the garage. They've now told me it's the gearbox, and simply washed their hands of it. I just feel deflated as the van cost £380 to hire for the week, and now i'm left with an undriveable and dangerous vehicle. Is there someone who can advise if this issue is clutch related or gearbox problems as stated.

Thank in advance

Wayne

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

If it changes fine with the engine off, then that rules out a bad cable

Gearbox.. Seems to change ok

Sounding like a clutch issue


Wait for others advice..

@jackwhoo

@bugsymike

 

[bugsymike]

If the gearbox engaged all gears before the garage worked on it that and after it doesn't, that points to their liability.
Either they have messed up the gear cables or clutch and hydraulics side.

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi,
I'm in agreement with mike.

If with engine running you can engage reverse without grinding noises then the clutch is releasing correctly. Jumping out of reverse hints that the gear hasn't selected fully - gear cables and their attachments need checking plus levers on the box plus engine mounts.
Gearbox oil level too.

You may have to find another garage to look at it for a second opinion. If you go to another garage be calm and friendly , don't mention the name garage that changed clutch , explain the symptoms .

Good luck

Jack

 

[jackwhoo]

I could not find your first thread about clutch pedal and smoke....does it contain any extra info?

Is clutch pedal ,"biting point close to floor?

 

[dawson420]

Hi all, thank you for your advice, it is much appreciated, Firstly Jack, the post is in commercial vans, doblo section, but it outlines the problem I first had with the clutch, leading me to have it replaced in the first place. I've taken your advice, and have taken it to a fiat / Alfa specialist, his advice, was to bleed the hydraulics or faulty clutch. So i'm now believing that it is nothing to do with the gear box full stop as suggested by the mechanic when i returned it to the garage that replaced the clutch. The mechanic also mentioned that it could be the bushes, as there was a little bit of play in the gear stick, but if this is the case, then why is it perfect when the ignition is off.
When the cars ignition is switched off, the car connects perfectly as it did when running before the incident. It's only when the engine is running, do i have problems finding first, and the only way to get it to connect into first is by jarring it in, 2nd feels like its only just catching and the same with 3rd and 4th, the pedal works fine as it did before the incident, just a little bit easier to push down. when i put it into reverse, it does jump out periodically, making the clutch grinding noise, and you can feel a big clunk when it finally goes in.

Hope that helps with my dilemma

Kind Regards

Wayne

 

[The Panda Nut]

Its as if the clutch pedal is not having the desired effect / action required. So a clutch release are issue may be or hydaulic system / cable problem seem to be indicated. It seems the garage have not provided service of a standard that could be expected of a comptent, trained technician and may actually be in breach of the law. I would be asking for a substantial refund at least. Trading standards may be interested as I doubt you are the only person affected by their questionable service standards. Give them a chance to refund or fix it and if they decline report them. Also make sure they have fitted the correct clutch.

 

[portland_bill]

You can select the gears with the engine off, because the gears are not rotatiing. With the engine running, the clutch not clearing will drive the gearbox, so trying to select a gear is trying to stop the clutch turning. Typical sympton of a clutch not clearing.