Punto Selecta 99 Faulty Gearbox Mystery

[IDO79]

Hi!

Firstly, thanks for forming, what appears to be a very useful forum, it’s much appreciated!

Now to my problem….I have an issue with my Fiat Punto Selecta, it’s a 1999 plate and has an automatic gearbox.

I leant it to my bro this week, and he has told me the gearbox warning light came on. Next day he goes to drive it off and it won’t engage reverse for some reason, but it will still work in “drive”, so he hot footed it to a garage.

We’ve taken it to a gearbox specialist who’s perplexed by the error, I wasn’t confident with his tone on the phone about what is wrong with it- he’s toying with either an electrical fault or a powder clutch, but is going to consult some books and come back to me.

Now, having read some of the other posts here I was hoping that damp may have caused the issue??? It has been tipping it down all weekend and I’ve had issues with my electrics and rain before (apparently Fiat claim excessive water can make the windscreen wipers pack in, how ironic). Also, I haven’t serviced it for going on 18months so am concerned that it may have run low of gearbox oil and packed in…

Any suggestions or guidance? I’m pretty concerned about the cost of a new gearbox and would have to scrap, what is on all other front s a decent car.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PNL]

Binki dave might be able to help you with your question he is the only one I know of that has the selecta..welcome to the forum

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I don't know much about the Punto Selecta but I have a similar probelm with my Panda Selecta, but its sortable.

Basically its electrical with mine, and on the selector column you should have a LED light next to either P.R.N.D.L. The light on the R has to light and send an electronic current to the gearbox ECU before the box will engage Reverse.

If this isn't happening then this is your problem. It basically means wiggling the selector lever (all scientifically proven in my panda) and if its a similar set up to mine the led next to R should light up, and hay presto, you have reverse.

If this dosen't work, its a matter of removing the center console and cleaning the contacts on the switch in it which detects where the gear selector is positioned. Or the unit might be US'ed and then its off to a scrappy or Fiat for a replacement.

Hope this helps. Let me know how its going. Jon.

 

[dave]

ive had both powder clutch and a gearbox die before an neither time did a warning light come on, i think when the light comes on its more electrical than machanical.
you could try fiddling with all the gubbing like position sensors throttle switch, or you could just take it to a main dealer who should be able to get the error up with in half hour

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

or you could just take it to a main dealer who should be able to get the error up with in half hour

And who would charge about £75 for the honour