C4 Picasso G/box issue

[AlanB]

Hi.
Does anyone know what the issue could be on C4 Picasso 1.6HDi 2013 semi auto 70k on clock.

Starts ok, go to put it in gear and says fault and doesn't go in gear, turn it off a couple of times, then goes into gear with no problems. It drives and pulls ok, and goes through gears ok.
Gear selector unit has been changed. Been plugged in and shows no faults.

[Paul-R]

Been plugged into what? It needs to be Diagbox or other high end diagnostic machine. A £35 Aldi special just won't be good enough?

[AlanB]

It was plugged in by two different garages.

[mickthemaverick]

As it goes from nothing to working properly with a few starts I'd suggest one of the connectors which were undone and reconnected when the selector was changed may have dirt or just loose issues. The vibration of starting clears it temporarily and then it returns when left to rest. I'd unplug and check all the plugs to the gearbox selectors, then be sure they are plugged back in tight and see what happens. After that as Paul suggests it is time for a Diagbox investigation.

[AlanB]

Thank you. The selector was changed after the issues started, so sounds like a Diagbox investigation is what it's going to be then.
Quick question tho, do these gearboxes need regular servicing? Are they prone to low oil?

[mickthemaverick]

Whereabouts are you Alan?

[RichardW]

There's no service required. There are 2 oils in use - the normal gearbox oil, and the hydraulic oil which actuates the clutch and the gear change. It's not unknown for the hydraulic system to develop a leak, and this can give all sorts of odd behaviour as the system struggles with low oil pressure. In this case, however, at 70k, my guess would be the clutch is nearly end of life, and there is some inconsistency in the reported clutch position which confuses the computer. As said it needs to be on a decent scanner than can read the live data to see what is going on and what looks out of position.

[AlanB]

Thank you Richardw for the info, much appreciated.
What hydraulic oil would be best if we went down that route of replacing / topping up.

[AlanB]

Whereabouts are you Alan?

The south coast of England.

[mickthemaverick]

OK right, not really a potential new recruit for our lunch meeting group then!!

[AlanB]

OK right, not really a potential new recruit for our lunch meeting group then!!

Not local then

[mickthemaverick]

It might be worth you having a read through this thread for the fluid info.

viewtopic.php?p=825163#p825163