Technical Issues Engaging 1st Gear

[BGuy]

Recently purchased a 2015 plate Fiat Punto 1.2.

40,000 miles on the clock but for the last 9 months prior to me having it the car has been off the road. It was last serviced October 2023 at 36,000 miles.

Test drive noticed no issues at all but since I had the car I have an occasional problem engaging 1st gear. It is always when I am going from Neutral to 1st or Reverse to 1st. If I take my foot off the clutch and push it down again then it engages with no problem.

Driving the car itself and going down the gears into 1st works fine and never fails to engage.

Looking at the brake/clutch fluid it looks a little dirty. I'm not sure when it was last changed and it is only half way between the minimum and maximum marker but doesn't go down at all so I don't think there is a leak. Should it be at maximum?

Just to get an idea of what to expect from a garage. Could this be fluid, oil, clutch, gearbox or something else?

 

[AnthonyH]

The only thing you should check is whether there is a leak under the gearbox.

My gearbox does this sometimes. Probably there isn't anything here to fix. Take it to a garage and you'll get stung for loads of money and get the car back exactly like it is now.

 

[BGuy]

The only thing you should check is whether there is a leak under the gearbox.

My gearbox does this sometimes. Probably there isn't anything here to fix. Take it to a garage and you'll get stung for loads of money and get the car back exactly like it is now.

Thanks there are no leaks under the car, no oil, water, brake fluid etc

I think you maybe right and it is just the way the gearbox is. Driving today was all good and whilst it can be a little annoying when it happens you are probably right it is not worth attempting to get it fixed.

 

[BGuy]

Just to update on this one the issue got worse and a lot of grinding from 1st gear. Ended up with a gearbox repair to fix the issue.

 

[GrandePunto PL]

Elaborate more (technical details). What was repaired.