- Sep 10, 2011
- 231
- 218
- Funster No
- 18,122
- MH
- Laika Ecovip 309
- Exp
- since 2011 but years in a caravan
Was enjoying our weeks' motorhoming holiday until it was blighted by the "Fiat's fifth gear failing syndrome".
There I was just crossing the border from Netherlands to Germany and heard a nasty noise from the gearbox which got louder. Changed into fourth and was relieved that the noise disappeared. With the help of sat nav limped to the nearest garage on Monday afternoon who said they would have a look and managed to give me a courtesy car and booked me into a self catering apartment, which was good of them. Popped back Tuesday bit disappointed to see they had the wheels off but had not looked at the gearbox yet. Told to call back at 5pm tonight as they would have a better idea. Phoned as arranged they explained they had problems finding a replacement fifth gear and to come back tomorrow at 10 am for a price. Looks like spending sleepless night wondering if I will be bankrupt tomorrow morning.
If it is too expensive fortunately I have breakdown insurance with Safesure so at least I can get home just in time to go back to work!
I am annoyed as even thought it is 11 years old it has only done 22,000 miles and I have read somewhere that it is a known problem due to the way the oil is supplied and you should not select fifth gear until the engine's oil has had time to warm up? Not sure how true this is? Will keep you posted. John
There I was just crossing the border from Netherlands to Germany and heard a nasty noise from the gearbox which got louder. Changed into fourth and was relieved that the noise disappeared. With the help of sat nav limped to the nearest garage on Monday afternoon who said they would have a look and managed to give me a courtesy car and booked me into a self catering apartment, which was good of them. Popped back Tuesday bit disappointed to see they had the wheels off but had not looked at the gearbox yet. Told to call back at 5pm tonight as they would have a better idea. Phoned as arranged they explained they had problems finding a replacement fifth gear and to come back tomorrow at 10 am for a price. Looks like spending sleepless night wondering if I will be bankrupt tomorrow morning.
If it is too expensive fortunately I have breakdown insurance with Safesure so at least I can get home just in time to go back to work!
I am annoyed as even thought it is 11 years old it has only done 22,000 miles and I have read somewhere that it is a known problem due to the way the oil is supplied and you should not select fifth gear until the engine's oil has had time to warm up? Not sure how true this is? Will keep you posted. John