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Punto auto transmission problem ? - volvoman
My mother in law's Punto 1.0 Selecta SX (1996 'N' plate) has had a problem with a stuck 'gear selector' which was fixed some time ago. She has recently experienced some juddering/lack of power on 2-3 occasions when driving, with an accompanying 'transmission' warning light which goes off after several minutes.

Does anyone know what the cause may be, whether these faults could be linked and whether or not urgent attention is required ?

I seem to remember reading/hearing something about this but can't remember where and the Car Breakdown section doesn't give much information.

Any feedback very gratefully received :-)
Punto auto transmission problem ? - CMark {P}
Hi volvoman,
I have no idea what kind of autobox is fitted to your MiL's Punto but as I run a couple of autobox cars HTH:

[1] The first thing I would do is to check the fluid level & colour.

[2] I would advise her to pop in to her local friendly Fiat dealer next time she is in the vicinity or within 1 week (which ever is the sooner).

[3] The main function of an auto-transmission warning light on most cars is to warn of fluid overheating. This normally occurs when heavy towing in hot conditions (so not exactly applicable to your Punto now). Overheating the fluid destroys it and requires an urgent change.

[4] (Sorry to state the obvious but) read the driver's manual about the warning light.

Not really much expert help here but as you didn't get a reply yesterday it might be better than nothing :-)

CMark
Punto auto transmission problem ? - volvoman
Very helpful CMark. What little you say you know makes what little I know I know seem microscopic.
I really wanted some feedback:

a) to try to avoid her doing serious damage (she only does short runs/low mileage) and

b) so that when my mum in law takes it in she has a clue what to expect and

will, hopefully, be able to tell if she's being told 'porkies' by the garage.

Sometimes it takes a while for the BackRoom to come good but they always do in the end. Thanks again :-)
Punto auto transmission problem ? - volvoman
Thanks so much HJ - I've just spoken to her and suggested she check the fluid level/colour straightaway. She said she hasn't seen any obvious signs of leaks on the drive but she is in her 70's and probably hasn't really been looking until now.

What colour should the fluid be and what colour would it change to if 'past its best' ? Also, if the fluid is leaking would it stain the drive ?

She has a FIAT dealer about 250 yeards from where she lives but isn't entirely confident of their integrity. Given the high cost and poor quality of the repair they did on her damaged door, I agree and this is why she hasn't asked their advice yet.

Anyway, I've told her not to drive the car for now if she can avoid it and any feedabck on the above would be much appreciated - thanks again !
Punto auto transmission problem ? - volvoman
MIL has just called and told me the ATF level (with engine cold) is OK. She said the dipstick had 'when hot' max & min levels too but she doesn't know whether to risk driving the car to find out !

BTW she said the fluid level was red/pink is that OK ? Ta!
Punto auto transmission problem ? - Dizzy {P}
Most autos need the fluid level checking whilst the engine is running otherwise the fluid level on the dipstick is artificially high (i.e. shows OK when it is actually low). I don't know about the Punto though - this may be different.

Fluid colour shoud be a translucent pinkish-red so it sounds as though this is OK.

I wouldn't have thought that freeing a stuck selector lever would have anything to do with the problem unless it wasn't adjusted correctly and allows the box to slip out of gear occasionally. Does the lever 'feel right' when engaging drive, or does it feel as though it is not going home properly?
Punto auto transmission problem ? - volvoman
Thanks All.

Dizzy - have never driven the car and don't know but I'll ask. I think I'll suggest she does a quick local run to warm the car up then check the fluid level again.

It's difficult to know what to do next though if the level's OK. Does she chance it and continue driving as usual or take to the local dealer and see what he has to say ?
I obviously don't want her to get ripped off but equally don't want her car to gat damaged.
Punto auto transmission problem ? - Phil I
Volvoman
try this www.fedauto.co.uk

the opening page gives you a membership list and if there is one nearby your MIL I suggest you give them a ring and ask their advice.

I think there may also be a link from this site as well.

Usually ordinary garages just do not have the expertise to either diagnose or rectify auto problems. If they take a job on nearly everytime they will push the job out to one of the f.a.t.e people and add 50% mark up on to the bill.

HtH Phil I