Hi there, Over the weekend I had a right nightmare, I bought a rather lovely 2018 Ford Fiesta ST-Line X and ran into an issue literally as soon as I left the showroom! On the dual carriageway I went into 6th gear when I quickly noticed that the vehicle wasn't accelerating but instead revving as if I didn't have it in gear. I eventually came to a stop and put the vehicle into 6th, lifting up the clutch slightly the car gave a slight rev as if it was biting but lifting up the clutch completely it didn't stall but continued to run as if it was in neutral. I took it straight back to the dealer, their technicians jumped straight on it and have kept the car in since, they were telling me that they're as clueless as me to what it could be. I'm curious to find out if anyone else has had a similar issue to this or has any idea of what the issue could be?

Will need the gearbox removed and either refurbished or replaced.  Good job it's under warranty!

A friend of mine recently had an older fiat van which had same problem although he owned it for a long time and was previously ok. I looked into this and found on the fiat vans it was a known problem with drivers who got into top gear as soon as possible for fuel economy, the cog would break due to the torque. It was felt that people who used the lower gears much more did not suffer the same failure rate. On those gearboxes the particular cog could be accessed by taking a cover off the end of the gearbox leaving the gearbox in situ. But I doubt it’s always that simple.

12 minutes ago, isetta said:

A friend of mine recently had an older fiat van which had same problem although he owned it for a long time and was previously ok. I looked into this and found on the fiat vans it was a known problem with drivers who got into top gear as soon as possible for fuel economy, the cog would break due to the torque. It was felt that people who used the lower gears much more did not suffer the same failure rate. On those gearboxes the particular cog could be accessed by taking a cover off the end of the gearbox leaving the gearbox in situ. But I doubt it’s always that simple.

That's good to know I suppose, at least that could tell me the previous owner didn't rag the car about and tried to be fuel efficient lol. The workshop did start pulling away under the bonnet to have a see while I was still on site but no idea if they've diagnosed the issue or even began repairing it yet!

2 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Will need the gearbox removed and either refurbished or replaced.  Good job it's under warranty!

What a ***** nightmare, do you reckon that a replacement gearbox would be difficult to get hold of? I'm very thankful for the warranty at this point, hopefully it's the only time I'll need it!!

I wonder if there's any possibility of a linkage issue?

I tried a short shifter on my car a while back but took it off again as I just didn't get on with it. It did occur to me at the time that the gear lever could possibly move out of position during removal/refitting of the linkage.

Just a thought, but a previous owner may have done the same and not put it back quite right. 

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

I wonder if there's any possibility of a linkage issue?

I'm hoping that's the first thing the tech's checked.  Just quickly remove the linkage and directly select the gear on the 'box.  

 

4 hours ago, Douber said:

What a ***** nightmare, do you reckon that a replacement gearbox would be difficult to get hold of? I'm very thankful for the warranty at this point, hopefully it's the only time I'll need it!!

No idea I'm afraid, there should be a few in breakers yards now.  If it's a main dealer, their warranty terms may force them to use a refurbished 'box from a specific supplier.  

So I’ve had some what of an update on this, they told me that they’re taking the gearbox out and it’s being sent off to be refurbished but didn’t get a reason as to what went wrong with it. All I know from this is it’s somewhat f**ked!!😂 I’ll hopefully be able to find out what the issue was and post an update once I’ve finally pick the car up which won’t be until after the new year due to Christmas holiday closures🎄