problem getting punto into gear

[NovaT_amy]

hi guys,

before i take my car to a garage monday i thought id ask if anyone had an idea what sort of thing could be wrong with my punto - its hard getting into gear - like its really stiff.. any idea what can cause this - my clutch pedal feels fine!

[kalniel]

Is this every gear? Or just 1st?

If 1st, then simply a worn synchromesh. I've yet to drive a small car that didn't get this eventually, and it's not a serious problem as you can just drive around it - make sure you're stationary when engaging first - if it won't go then engage second first.

[NovaT_amy]

its actually all of them - 1st and 3rd are the least affected

[kalniel]

It could still be worn synchros, though unusual to have so many gears affected.

Although the clutch pedal feels fine, are you sure it's fully decoupling the engine from the gears?

[NovaT_amy]

It could still be worn synchros, though unusual to have so many gears affected.

Although the clutch pedal feels fine, are you sure it's fully decoupling the engine from the gears?

im pretty sure it is - but its only been happening for a couple of weeks - someone metioned it could be the cold - but im sure its not that.

[kalniel]

Do you know if your clutch is hydraulic or cable?

[NovaT_amy]

Do you know if your clutch is hydraulic or cable?

oh i really dont know! its a 55 plate 1.2 punto... if that helps? LOL

[digit]

Back when I had a punto mark 1 the cold weather really made it difficult to engage most gears, had the same issue with first gear in the cold with my mark 2 mondeo.

[Behemoth]

The cold snap we had a week or so ago really made it hard for me to engage first gear in my Vectra, it was like it was frozen. This week although it's been cold I've not had any problems with any gears.

[eshrules]

I do know (more from experience) that Fiat boxes are renowned for being notchy as they are, with the recent cold snap I'd be concerned it's just the whole thing being a little cold for operation.

Does it improve once the car's been running for a while? If you're finding it stiff to find gears first thing in the morning....

[Konan555]

The gearbox will heat up a lot during use, so yes, if it's the cold it should clear up as you drive it. Does it make any 'whizzy' noises as you try to push it in? Does it crunch when it does go in?

[Jay_ombie]

The gearbox will heat up a lot during use, so yes, if it's the cold it should clear up as you drive it. Does it make any 'whizzy' noises as you try to push it in? Does it crunch when it does go in?

I have the same issue, and its nothing to do with the heat for me.

I took over use of the car from my dad and the gears are stiff all the way from 1 to 5 including reverse. Its like there is no neutral.

Its still drive-able, and there is no crunching.

Just wondering what may the cause be..