Technical panda cvt problem

[njones12345]

Hi guys, just bought a panda cvt 1994 with what looks like a gearbox problem. Wont go over 20mph and doesn't pick up speed no matter how much you put your foot down just makes lots of noise. Would appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

 

[homeward]

Hi guys, just bought a panda cvt 1994 with what looks like a gearbox problem. Wont go over 20mph and doesn't pick up speed no matter how much you put your foot down just makes lots of noise. Would appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

There seems to be a pandemic of Panda Selecta problems, at the moment: and quite a few are therefore being converted to manuals.

If you click on Hal's name, in my signature, below, you'll see that I've had similar problems (worth reading the whole thread, to pick up some hints and tips...) -- although he drove okay, last time I was down at VmanC's... -- so I've obtained a spare, second-hand clutch and brushes, just in case.

The first thing to try would be to check the two accelerator switches (see this post); as well as the gearbox oil level. New clutches are obtainable: but they're around £900 a go, plus fitting -- although you can also obtain the magic, magnetic powder that is in them: which I may also investigate, at some stage. :chin:

The brushes are also worth checking (although, again, aren't cheap -- but there's a link to how to make your own from alternator brushes, buried deep in Hal's thread...). :idea:

What mileage has the car done? Most Easterly Pandas -- who is our resident Panda Selecta expert (sorry, Jon...) -- has a theory that Selectas either die young, or live forever. He may also have additional (and better) suggestions as to what to check/look for.... :worship:

Good luck -- and please let us know how you get on; or if you need more information....

 

[JamieK]

Welcome, and sorry to hear about your transmission problem. If you look at this thread too..

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-classic/326104-calling-all-classic-panda-selecta-gurus.html.

The owner made a video about the noise coming out of his selecta box, you could see if its a similar noise? Turned out to only be a blocked filter in his case. Good luck

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Interesting, are you able to post a video of the noises it makes when in drive please?

As above, check the oil, and colour, should be a bright red and not a burnt red, if burnt red it needs changing.

Sounds like the equivalent of a slipping clutch

 

[JamieK]

I've had another thought on this, I'm not sure how familiar you are with the selecta box or automatics in general so it's worth checking what position you have the gear selector in. If you've got it in the L (low) position that would explain why it won't go over 20 mph and would be screaming its balls off. Normal forward driving position is D. Don't mean to state the obvious but thought it worth checking

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I've had another thought on this, I'm not sure how familiar you are with the selecta box or automatics in general so it's worth checking what position you have the gear selector in. If you've got it in the L (low) position that would explain why it won't go over 20 mph and would be screaming its balls off. Normal forward driving position is D. Don't mean to state the obvious but thought it worth checking

L shouldn't restrict speed though.

 

[njones12345]

Been out in l and d both drive the same.

Going to change oil and filter see what happens then check power supply and clean pipes going to box.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks for your help.

 

[JamieK]

L shouldn't restrict speed though.

Ahh, I always presumed that L was the equivalent of the first gear in a normal auto box! Had a read up in my owners manual and you are indeed right sir. I've never ever used it in my Selecta as had no need for it. Now I know its a sport gear I'll use it all the time :slayer:

 

[JamieK]

Been out in l and d both drive the same.

Going to change oil and filter see what happens then check power supply and clean pipes going to box.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks for your help.

Sorry for duff info about the low gear! It seems filters are nigh on impossible to get but you can clean your one out as the guy did in the thread I posted earlier. Make sure you use the correct cvt fluid when you change it though!

 

[Palio]

Ahh, I always presumed that L was the equivalent of the first gear in a normal auto box! Had a read up in my owners manual and you are indeed right sir. I've never ever used it in my Selecta as had no need for it. Now I know its a sport gear I'll use it all the time :slayer:

I know my Uno one is a bit different, and possibly/probably not working right (who knows??!! ) but L seems to = Loud. It sounds like a 747 taking off in L and makes an awful lot of fuss, but without actually seeming to achieve anything in terms of accelerating quicker!

I can confirm it doesn't restrict speed though as I've tried it in all sorts of ambitious manoeuvres! Maybe it's more use for low-range offroading, but I doubt it....

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I can confirm it doesn't restrict speed though as I've tried it in all sorts of ambitious manoeuvres! Maybe it's more use for low-range offroading, but I doubt it....

It increases engine braking, so only reduces speed in this respect

 

[Palio]

It increases engine braking, so only reduces speed in this respect

By the way an Uno Selecta can out accelerate an Astra from 40 to 60ish. Well you shouldn't try to overtake coming out of a 40 limit should you!! Anyone who knows me will guess that someone trying to do that needs a quick car or they will end up on the wrong side of the road for a long time

 

[njones12345]

Changed the oil with correct cvt oil and cleaned the filter out and sump.

Problem still the same so its booked into a local automatic specialist through a good friend so hopefully he can fix it.

Will keep you all posted as it may help other panda cvt owners out in the future.