2008 Picasso 1.6HDI - Flappy Paddle Stuck In Gear

[RichardVC]

Recently purchased this vehicle- three weeks

Was running well.

Now, it's stuck in gear (1st I think) and won't change out - no response from paddles or selector.

Can't start - I have got it running by using a remote starter, but can't get it out of gear so it won't start on the key.

120k miles

There have been some intermittent warnings - ESR/Handbrake but nothing that stopped it starting or driving - some of these just flashed by.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions - reasonably able, checked wiring, cleaned some joints.

[GiveMeABreak]

I would suggest if you got it from a trade seller - take it back (or get them to pick it up if it's immobile) - these piloted manual gearboxes can be a nightmare to troubleshoot and very expensive to diagnose and fix. If you bought it privately, then you're going to need a garage with expertise in these piloted manuals (these are a manual gearbox and clutch, but use electro-hydraulic actuators to do the gear changes and clutch operation for you, but it's not an actual automatic).

There care hundreds of possible fault codes with these, so it is going to need diagnostics to try and determine what the fault codes are.

[RichardVC]

I was aware of the problematic nature, but it drove so well, seemed to the one that was not ever a problem. Nothing in the history to indicate it's ever had a problem, which is why I picked it up- I only paid 'trade money' so there is some cash available. Does seem such shame to end up scrapping it, but do understand the costs/ and the pain.

The fault seems to be a pretty rare one, which has caused me ask the question. I've ordered a code reader, so will check those shortly.

Thank you for the reply, it is appreciated.

[GiveMeABreak]

No problem, just be aware that generic code readers most of the time won't be able to read anythingbut basic codes - specifically the constructor-specific codes are generally only readable by professional tools. A lexia clone kit is your best bet with Diagbox software - but make sure it is a full chip, revision C kit - as it needs to be able to read full CAN bus multiplexed vehicles.

Although there are plenty of technical faults for these, I've not heard of one where the vehicle is actually stuck in first gear. Other gears yes, or in neutral, but not first. Sometimes there will be dashes on the instrument panel where the gear selector indication is - are there any codes or dashes displayed here?

[GiveMeABreak]

The Sensodrive systems are completely different to the piloted versions of the C4 Picasso.....

[RichardVC]

Think the kit I've ordered is the right one.

Display shows, a - from memory.

Car thinks it's in gear, and won't engage starter.
At idle shows 6mph so I have assumed it's first - starts on the button via remote switch.
Was trouble free before it crashed which is why I have been looking for wiring issues (replaced brake light switch) and powered down ecu, shorted battery etc.

No noise or clicking when ignition switched on.
I've been checking wiring, some more to do.

And, looking for a relay. All fuses are ok, not checked all those inside the car yet.
Expecting a click from the actuator at ignition on - but zilch.

I've not own a C since my last Xantia (2HDI) written off and the one before was a 300k ex taxi, was quite nice getting back in one, until..

My thinking has be been that if this was going to be an unreliable one, it would have had problems before - but seems to have been trouble free and drove well.
Hence, not resigning myself to a quick death for it yet.

Richard.