So a few weeks ago, I was occasionally having a problem getting my Fiesta into 1st gear. Bringing it back to neutral and up again, or disengaging and re-engaging the clutch would inevitably fix it.

Annoyed with occasionally not being able to move at will, I took it to the dealer and they said they have to see the problem before they can look at it under warranty.

Cue yesterday, the frequency of the problem has increased drastically and 2nd gear is also having the same problem now.

It was easily reproduceable for the dealership this time and they've accepted the car in (and now I have a ***** KA courtesy car because that's all they had!)

Characteristics of the problem:

• Never seems to happen from a cold start or when the engine is off
• Appears to happen when coming down from speed in higher gears
• Repeated clutch engagement and disengagement, or at the very least, simply bringing it out and attempting to get it back into gear multiple times eventually seems to work
• While holding the gearstick towards the intended gear that is not engaging, lifting the clutch pedal slowly lets it fall into gear
• If you push the gearstick hard enough to stay in position close to the selected gear, but not actually engaged with the engine, then lift the clutch pedal slowly, the gearstick becomes unstuck and falls back into neutral

Does anybody recognise what could be the cause based on this?

Sounds like the slave cylinder on the clutch is failing.

I agree with DieselPig.  I had a similar problem a couple of years ago and it was the slave cylinder.

lucky its under warranty. slave cylinder is not an easy job as it is inside the bellhousing. in 'the old days' slave cylinders were easy as they were on the outside of the bellhousing pushing a lever that went inside.

see to me it could be slave but for it to only happen to first and second sounds like the synchro to me (first and second use same synchro) ps ive had this issue before and everything your saying fills the blanks also

should be fine under warranty 

Did this ever get resolved? 

I have a 2014 1.0L that will not go into second gear when downshifting. Fine when upshifting.

I have done the usual lubrication of cable/pushrods. selector block removed and cleaned lubed and ensured easy movement, checked gear selector at gear shift end.

Bled the slave cylinder, fluid was very watery and dirty with debris which was surprising.

Sadly looks likely the gearbox will have to come out. 

Sounds like the synchro is shot. Try double clutching with a pause in neutral, and downshifting at rpms compatible with the ratios of the gears. I once broke a mechanical linkage clutch but was able to drive it without the clutch by managing shifting at just the right rpms. 

Yes matching revs and double clutching works sometimes but not all. Last try will be a fluid change but already looking to find a low mileage box :( 

 

I’ve got this problem with my fiesta,  won’t go into first or second when I first start, doesn’t happen when driving along, doesn’t matter wether it’s cold etc. Then some days it goes straight into first no problem.  Bought it second hand but luckily has a 3 month warranty on it.  Bit annoyed as I’ve only had it 3 weeks ☹️

So i realize this may be a dead post, but i have a 2014 fiesta that had to have first and second gears and synros replaced after 3 years.
I had no issues at all, then had a crunchy feeling once or twice and then complete failure, the gearbox specialist said it was due to aggressive driving, i dont even feel like it was that bad. considering if i can get a stronger ib6 gearbox installed. Any just wanted to say i to had it fail on me.

 

.... may have modified it a bit.....

Ib6 is too difficult to install need basically everything etc as adapter plate pumaspeed done it once and never done it again because of the hassle with driveshafts etc

2bh can get a used gearbox for them for about £200 delivered then oil at £65 and labour If you don't know how to, which will take to around £400 all fitted or a gearbox specialist with warranty for £450 all in

All in all not bad

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does the 1.0L 100 ps gear box work with the 1.0L 125 ps engine???
or different gear boxes

Just bought a fiesta 65 plate and the 2 gear synchro was replaced/repaired after 2 days as ‘goodwill’ from the garage ... after getting the car back I travelled less than 40 miles and the clutch pedal hit the floor and smell of burning ... garage has told me that I’ve burnt the clutch out and will have to pay another £400 .. I don’t think this is right .... any ideas what they’ve done wrong as I honestly believe it’s a workmanship issue ... I’ve asked for my money back for the car and they have said No !!! Please advise  

You should check if you have any statutory rights on the purchase, for example is there a return period by law where you can declare it defective and get your cash back. I would also ask your local citizens advice for some tips. I don't live in the UK but most (for now) EU countries have some form of consumer protection laws on the purchase of cars etc.  It's always good idea to check all your rights with someone impartial first, and then quote them back at the person trying to rip you off. Then I also learned in another context to take a witness along to any discussions with them. That in the case of my former landlord resulted in a full refund of the deposit as opposed to losing two grand - it seems to scare them slightly 🙂

 

On 1/3/2017 at 8:46 PM, DieselPig said:

Sounds like the slave cylinder on the clutch is failing.

cant be slave its a cable clutch !!!!!!