Panda 2012+ Panda 4x4 2019

[Scass]

Hello from Portugal! I've just bought a Panda 4x4 LHD that I'm hoping is going to be a fun and practical vehicle for us. There are lots of gravel roads in our area and by all accounts this little Italian bundle of joy will handle them well!

Unfortunately, the car seems to have a problem from the beginning in that gear changes become difficult when the engine/vehicle warms up. I didn't detect this during a relatively short test drive. I'm supposing we're probably in for a new clutch; it's unlikely a simple adjustment will fix the problem, isn't it? (Clutch disengages right at the floor...) Of course, the vendor's guarantee doesn't cover clutch, etc.

I understand this LHD version probably has a cable-operated clutch?

Anyway, I'm sure I'll get this sorted. Looking forward to really enjoying this little car.

Steve (scass)

I'll get a photo into my profile as soon as I can...

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Is yours a diesel? If so, there can be an issue where the external part of the gear change system becomes ‘stiff’ when it warms up. I wrote a guide on how to fix that. I’ll look up the post and put the link to it here…

Update: see here and follow the links…

Cure for a stiff gearlever, Multijet 4x4

One or two folks have reported issues with the gear-lever becoming stiff to move, and not freely springing back to the centre position. I investigated the issue, and managed to cure mine by removing a rod on the outside of the gearbox and...

www.fiatforum.com

Pete

 

[Scass]

Is yours a diesel? If so, there can be an issue where the external part of the gear change system becomes ‘stiff’ when it warms up. I wrote a guide on how to fix that. I’ll look up the post and put the link to it here…

Update: see here and follow the links…

Cure for a stiff gearlever, Multijet 4x4

One or two folks have reported issues with the gear-lever becoming stiff to move, and not freely springing back to the centre position. I investigated the issue, and managed to cure mine by removing a rod on the outside of the gearbox and...

www.fiatforum.com

Pete

Pete

Thanks for the information, but unfortunately mine is a Twin Air petrol version.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Pete

Thanks for the information, but unfortunately mine is a Twin Air petrol version.

I don’t know if there is a similar external mechanism on the TA gearbox? Others here will know…

 

[Panda IIs]

I don’t know if there is a similar external mechanism on the TA gearbox? Others here will know…

I haven't dug that deep but TA definitely has cables from lever so I would expect a similar or same mechanism/linkage to translate that motion. Worth a look any way. Others also report gradual leakage of gear box oil so it would be worth checking the level too.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I don’t know if there is a similar external mechanism on the TA gearbox? Others here will know…

My car seems to have a similar arrangement. The clutch release fork has now been changed with the clutch and flywheel. The old one has odd one sided wear on the shaft. Im convinced oiling the tops of these pivots regularly helps. Getting stiff when hot does sound a bit like oil / oil level could be the problem as suggested above.

I haven't dug that deep but TA definitely has cables from lever so I would expect a similar or same mechanism/linkage to translate that motion. Worth a look any way. Others also report gradual leakage of gear box oil so it would be worth checking the level too.

Im going to look at bleeding my clutch maybe tomorrow and will try and get a few pics.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

...Im going to look at bleeding my clutch maybe tomorrow and will try and get a few pics.

Note that in the case of the OP, his is a left hand drive car. I believe these use a cable-operated clutch... so that's may not be their issue.

 

[Scass]

So my little Panda is going in for a diagnosis next Monday. (It's under guarantee.) The mechanic is local, so I can mention Herts Hillhopper's comments. I'd be happy if that's what's wrong!

Thanks all for the input. It's great to know there's such a community of Fiat folk, and particularly Panda people, out there...

Incidentally, I've not driven one of these before. I have no idea what to expect from the gearbox/gearchange. How would any of you characterise the Twin Air gear change? Generally precise and fast, or generally more mushy/slow?

 

[Twotone2]

So my little Panda is going in for a diagnosis next Monday. (It's under guarantee.) The mechanic is local, so I can mention Herts Hillhopper's comments. I'd be happy if that's what's wrong!

Thanks all for the input. It's great to know there's such a community of Fiat folk, and particularly Panda people, out there...

Incidentally, I've not driven one of these before. I have no idea what to expect from the gearbox/gearchange. How would any of you characterise the Twin Air gear change? Generally precise and fast, or generally more mushy/slow?

The gear change is excellent not that you have to use them much, 1st for seconds then up to fifth depending on the road, for motorway driving the eco button (off) is amazing it changes the car dramatically.

The car just sticks to the road, best car I've ever driven for that, no wander or lean just straight and sticks like sh!t, incredible actually.

 

[Scass]

The gear change is excellent not that you have to use them much, 1st for seconds then up to fifth depending on the road, for motorway driving the eco button (off) is amazing it changes the car dramatically.

Thanks Twotone2. That's what I was expecting, but with this problem showing up from the outset I became less sure... I'm looking forward to getting everything into proper shape so I can enjoy the full experience!

 

[Twotone2]

Thanks Twotone2. That's what I was expecting, but with this problem showing up from the outset I became less sure... I'm looking forward to getting everything into proper shape so I can enjoy the full experience!

I'd definitely consider a set of winter tyres if I were you I know that you're in Portugal but a decent set of tyres totally transforms the car.

BTW, there's a father and son, who are English but they live (or did) in Portugal and had a Panda 4X4.

They produced a load of videos on Youtube, definitely worth checking their videos out.

 

[Scass]

I'd definitely consider a set of winter tyres if I were you I know that you're in Portugal but a decent set of tyres totally transforms the car.

I live about 90 minutes from Portugal's only ski resort. Try to get up there at least once a winter, even at my age, for a little telemark...

I put winter/all-season tyres on my ancient Citroen Berlingo a couple of years ago, when we took it on an epic journey to Greece from here. (Legal requirement in some of the Balkan countries.) Totally transformed the handling of that lovely boat. So definitely this is something I've already been thinking about!

 

[Twotone2]

I live about 90 minutes from Portugal's only ski resort. Try to get up there at least once a winter, even at my age, for a little telemark...

I put winter/all-season tyres on my ancient Citroen Berlingo a couple of years ago, when we took it on an epic journey to Greece from here. (Legal requirement in some of the Balkan countries.) Totally transformed the handling of that lovely boat. So definitely this is something I've already been thinking about!

I'm just recently back from a trip to Tiree in the inner Hebrides in Scotland.

I drove from Oban to Glasgow recently, usually around two and a half hours, in the dark and rain from about 10pm until 1am.

I had to drive slowly, the road basically follows Loch Lomond but the car handled superbly, normally I'd have stopped somewhere until daylight but even my wife was impressed with the car's handling.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I'm just recently back from a trip to Tiree in the inner Hebrides in Scotland.

I drove from Oban to Glasgow recently, usually around two and a half hours, in the dark and rain from about 10pm until 1am.

I had to drive slowly, the road basically follows Loch Lomond but the car handled superbly, normally I'd have stopped somewhere until daylight but even my wife was impressed with the car's handling.

In the context of the A82 along Lomond, the car's narrowness helps a lot, I'd think?

 

[Twotone2]

In the context of the A82 along Lomond, the car's narrowness helps a lot, I'd think?

Aye it definitely did, my wife loves it for that means she can get into carpark spaces hardly anyone else can

 

[The Panda Nut]

Note that in the case of the OP, his is a left hand drive car. I believe these use a cable-operated clutch... so that's may not be their issue.

Yes I understand. I think I acknowledged this but I am unclear if its a full cable or a cable and hydraulic set up. If there is any cable involved it can change if it gets over hot for some reason and it can fray and cause issues and if there is hydraulics as well or instead, all the usual UK spec issues also apply.

 

[Scass]

I just want to update all you helpful folks about the problem I initially mentioned.

When I informed the dealer about the gear-change problem, they asked me to get the problem diagnosed. With their consent, I took it to the best mechanic shop in our small town, where they said they already had experience with the Panda TwinAir. After dismantling the clutch, they found that it was thoroughly damaged, including the flywheel. Had to use an angle grinder to get the flywheel off. Damage to the inside of the casing, too, from out-of-place parts. Estimate for repair: 1,100 euros.

They got in touch with the dealer for me. The instant response was that it would be covered by the guarantee. Good news for me indeed! (And respect to the dealer for acting honourably.)

I have no idea what caused the problem. The mechanic may give me more clues when I get the car back (tomorrow I hope). It may have started with the flywheel.

Frankly I'm surprised the guarantee is covering the work in full, but happy of course. And happy to be receiving a completely new clutch!

When the car comes back, I'll put a photo in my profile. I also have photos of the damage if anyone is interested.

 

[Panda IIs]

I just want to update all you helpful folks about the problem I initially mentioned.

When I informed the dealer about the gear-change problem, they asked me to get the problem diagnosed. With their consent, I took it to the best mechanic shop in our small town, where they said they already had experience with the Panda TwinAir. After dismantling the clutch, they found that it was thoroughly damaged, including the flywheel. Had to use an angle grinder to get the flywheel off. Damage to the inside of the casing, too, from out-of-place parts. Estimate for repair: 1,100 euros.

They got in touch with the dealer for me. The instant response was that it would be covered by the guarantee. Good news for me indeed! (And respect to the dealer for acting honourably.)

I have no idea what caused the problem. The mechanic may give me more clues when I get the car back (tomorrow I hope). It may have started with the flywheel.

Frankly I'm surprised the guarantee is covering the work in full, but happy of course. And happy to be receiving a completely new clutch!

When the car comes back, I'll put a photo in my profile. I also have photos of the damage if anyone is interested.

That will be a failed dual mass flywheel then (DMF) there are many threads and much debate about the same on here - use the search function. It sounds like you have a very good dealer there! Similar work in the UK by a specialist has cost around GBP1.400.

 

[Scass]

Similar work in the UK by a specialist has cost around GBP1.400.

I guess labour is cheaper here in Portugal... Final cost for flywheel and clutch replacement was €1,120.

All good now. I'm happy to have our new Panda back in working order.