Citroen C4 Cactus Stiff Gearchange (Cold)

[meb90]

Morning all,

My mum's C4 Cactus is suffering from a stiff gear change at cold start. Symptoms are thus:
- after a cold start, such as this morning so minus temperatures, she can't engage any gears.
- she is able to get gears after a few minutes of running the gearbox is neutral (combined with revving the engine)
- no problems after that
- only happens when very cold

Car is on roughly 55,000 miles, gearbox oil almost certainly hasn't been changed.

My thoughts are that a gearbox oil change and lubing the gear cables will probably fix the issue?

[E-bmw]

Define "can't engage any gears".

Is it that the gear lever doesn't move?

Is it that the clutch isn't operating properly meaning the lever feels stiff?

Does pumping the clutch several times help?

Has the fluid level been checked?

Has the system been checked to see if it needs bleeding?

Are there any signs of fluid leakage?

Has any work been done on it recently?

Edited by E-bmw on Thursday 7th January 12:22

[meb90]

1) I don't think she can get any gears. She mentioned she couldn't get off the drive until it was warmed.

2) Not sure! I'm assuming it isn't.

3) Once the car is on the move/warm there are no issues so the clutch must be working OK.

4) No, due to the above.

5) Probably not... but see 3.

6) Almost certainly not. but see 3.

7) None mentioned.

8) Not that I know of.

Maybe that helps? Trouble is I don't know all the details, and she lives 50 miles away so can't easily check anything myself. Just sounding thoughts to try and help

[E-bmw]

Almost certainly, not mentioned etc doesn't help.

Can you ask the specific questions and get specific answers and then we are likely to be able to help more.

[catman]

It's something that can be overcome by starting the car in first gear with the clutch down. Once she has driven off, it should be ok.

My Mondeo was terrible for this when I experienced my first winter after buying it. I had the gearbox oil changed and it has helped.