Unable to select gear, unless engine is off?

[Linz]

Hi

Had my 07 plate Ultra Red 197 about a week and a half.

Most days this week I have been unable to select any gear when I first start up.

If I switch the engine off I can select a gear no problem and then have to start it in gear.

Once driving the gearbox seems a bit stiff for a couple of mins, then it's fine once warmed up.

I've read that this can be a common issue, is it something to worry about? I.e. do I need to get it looked whilst I've got some warranty from the garage?

Feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Linz

 

[1tjh]

Bottom line is, it shouldn't do it. Take it back and kick up a stink. I've no doubt they'll try and wriggle out of repairing it, but stranger things have happened. There have been issues with this in the cold i believe, so if its playing up in this weather im guessing it will get worse when its colder....

 

[Rogue]

Mine is a bit stiff to put into first when it's cold. Have you tried to go into second then into first?

 

[Chrisgti6]

It's pretty normal as far as I know. Mine does it, but less so now I've changed the gearbox oil.

 

[Siso]

maybe something with friction plate ?

 

[Mike]

I too had this when I had my 197, when the engine was cold, it was stiff as anything, but after a few minutes, it was fine.

As has already been said, moaning at the garage will be your best bet!

 

[The Wizard]

I think they are all very similar, including my 200. I have changed to Fuchs which has improved things slightly, more of piece of mind though if I'm being honest, the fluid which came out after 23k miles wasnt't great. Try taking off the handbrake before you put it into gear, often helps.

 

[chris1888-197]

mine had this exact problem when i got it from renault. it was difficult/stiff to select gear after couple of minutes of driving it was fine. i had autocare with my car and after 3-4 months having the car and complaining to renault it got a new gearbox and has been fine since. hope you get it sorted as i think after time it will get worse.

 

[Linz]

Mine is a bit stiff to put into first when it's cold. Have you tried to go into second then into first?

Yes tried to go into all gears including reverse and can't get into any, unless I switch off the engine. Then it goes straight into gear.

Thanks for the comments, think I might look at the warranty paperwork and see if I've got any hope.

 

[Mentalpen]

Mechanical is usually covered for 3 months iirc

 

[nutnutwelshman]

Take her back did you buy from Renault plus ring RUK customer services

 

[mitchell197]

As already said, get on the phone, no harm in chasing! was it a private garage you bought it from? If so the warranty they sold you should cover mechanics work up to £50odd an hour. So if you know a trustworthy mechanic go ask them aswell.

 

[Linz]

Bought it from a dealer in Grantham.
Got 12 months warranty with it, but had fun and games with them this morning already. Phoned garage I bought it from and they told me to bring it today, so I have. Sat waiting...

 

[Roblynn1977]

If your not happy with what they tell you ring Renault Customer Service on 0844 3350000 from the dealership

 

[Linz]

Thanks for the advice guys.

The garage I bought it from was VWG in Grantham, who to be fair haven't been too bad with me.

Spoke with the warranty firm Auto Protect this morning who were ok but not all that helpful to be honest, perhaps it was just the call handler I got. He advised that my warranty hasn't gone live yet so basically I'll have to pay for the work andthey'll pay me back once its live, (even though I purchased the car 12 days ago which seems a bit odd...) They basically advised me that their named garage to take a look would be a local Halfords Auto Centre, to which I said I'm not happy to take it to. They advised that was fine and I could take it to whoever I want but their labour cover limit is £60 an hour and anything over that I would have to pay. They said the garage would have to contact them once they had diagnosed the issue and then they would decided whether the warranty policy covers whatever the fault is. Which I also found a little odd...

Anyway to cut a long story short I phoned the garage I bought it from to say I wasn't happy and they said they'd have a look at it. So I took this afternoon off work and took the car over to them. I explained that I didn't think they'd be able to replicate the fault as the car was warm after driving 33 miles from work to get there, and they couldn't replicate it. They put it up on the ramp and had a look underneath and phoned Renault in Boston and basically advised that Renault confirm its a known issue and they don't offer any resolutions. So I was told to contact a Renault Specialist for a second opinion if I wasn't happy.

My partner contacted a Renault specialist this afternoon for me who have said first port of call is to change the oil, and see if it improves it. If not, they say it could be a clutch or gearbox problem...

So now to contact the warranty company again tomorrow to see if they will authorise the Renault specialist to carry out the oil change...

 

[Foxspeed]

sounds like the usual warranty run around from the provider!!! is your money not good enough for them? and this "its not live" bull **** - you want the warranty to work when you are using/driving the car....sound like a right bunch of muppets!!!

 

[Rogue]

Which Renault Specialist did you speak too?

 

[Linz]

Which Renault Specialist did you speak too?

A place called Diamond Motors. Were recommended by a friend.

 

[ashtons99]

Hi Linz, I think its my old car youve got isnt it. I traded it to VWG. The car used to be a bit "sticky" very occasionally but I got used to it, dipped the clutch a couple of times and it went into gear, I always treated it as just another clio quirk, like the kangarooing!!

I know the lads at VWG and Im sure they will sort it for you provided it comes under the warranty items (aftermarket warranties are nothing like a manufacturers though!).

Stick with the car though as its a lovely example

 

[Linz]

Hi Tony

Yes I believe it was yours.

It's like it everyday, can't select a gear, started dipping the clutch a few times which let me put it into gear eventually.
However, that's not been the case this week. Having to turn off and put it into gear whilst the engine is off. Which isn't something you should have to do on a modern car such as this. It's also my daily car, so any everyday occurrence.

The Renault Specialist said it needs a new clutch etc.

Booked in at VWG next week, after messing about I ended up going back to VWG who spoke with the warranty company and the Manager advised me it will be covered under warranty and go get the car booked in with them.

Thanks.