Technical problem with panda going into 5th gear

[fleming]

As of yesterday I became the owner of a 2004 1.1 panda active however when I used it for the first time today on the motorway I couldn't get it into fifth gear for ages and when I finally did it either slipped out immediately or slipped out after a few minutes. As I have no idea about cars I'd really appreciate some help

 

[Muckquaiker]

What is the mileage on the gearbox?

 

[fleming]

theres only 68000 miles on it and the garage said that it was only recently serviced.

 

[jrkitching]

As of yesterday I became the owner of a 2004 1.1 panda active

Did you get any kind of a warranty when you bought your car? Failing that, did you buy it from a dealer, or privately?

 

[doctorchris]

Sounds like a gear linkage or gearbox fault.
If bought from a car dealer, even if not with a clear warranty, take it back and complain. Under UK consumer law the vehicle would be described as not fit for purpose and the dealer would be obliged to repair the car. I'm sure the law in Eire will be similar.

 

[jrkitching]

Sounds like a gear linkage or gearbox fault.
If bought from a car dealer, even if not with a clear warranty, take it back and complain. Under UK consumer law the vehicle would be described as not fit for purpose and the dealer would be obliged to repair the car. I'm sure the law in Eire will be similar.

Yep, it's one of the two. You can usually tell by the feel of the gear lever when driving, if you know what to look for. If it's a linkage problem, then the lever is trying to pull the car out of gear; if it's the 'box, it'll feel like the lever is being pushed out of gear.

If you bought the car from a dealer, as it's clearly unfit for purpose you have a legal right to return the car and get your money back - you don't have to accept a repair.

 

[fleming]

Thanks for you help!! i bought it from my local fiat dealer who my family have been dealing with for the past 8 years so I'm going to bring it back to them on monday and hopefully they will fix it

 

[jrkitching]

Thanks for you help!! i bought it from my local fiat dealer who my family have been dealing with for the past 8 years so I'm going to bring it back to them on monday and hopefully they will fix it

In that case, I'd certainly expect they'll look after you.

I'll give your FIAT dealer the benefit of the doubt as likely they never drove it in 5th & hence weren't aware of the fault. Wouldn't mind betting that this may have been the reason the previous owner traded it in, though.

But once fixed properly all should be well. Best of luck with your new car.

 

[JD82]

If the dealer is in a built up area its likely to never have been tested in 5th as above. Probably is just a genuine mistake.

The dealer will almost certainly sort this out though

 

[trackdayqueen]

Good luck with it. In the future when you test drive cars, check all the gears work!

 

[KozmoNaut]

Yep, it's one of the two. You can usually tell by the feel of the gear lever when driving, if you know what to look for. If it's a linkage problem, then the lever is trying to pull the car out of gear; if it's the 'box, it'll feel like the lever is being pushed out of gear.

Mine does the latter, but only very slightly, I feel it if I keep pressure on the lever while it's in fifth and I release and reapply the accelerator.

I figure a small bit of movement in the lever like this is perfectly normal for a FWD car, since engine mounts etc. aren't completely rigid. The petrol Panda I test drove initially did the same thing.