auto gearbox will not engage 1st gear.

Hi,
Just bought a c3 about 2 weeks ago and its developed a fault.
Its a 1.6 desire automatic on a 55plate.
The problem is it will not go into 1st gear, so as a result when I press on the accelerator nothing happens. This leaves me causing problems at junctions as the car will do nothing for about 20 seconds untill it goes into 2nd gear and we can move off slowly.
When I start the car and put it in drive I can hear the gearbox trying to select first (clunking noises) but nothing happens then it gives up and selects 2nd. The display says gearbox fault.
I really dont want to pay maindealer prices.
Any help would be great.
Stephen.

Hi Stephen,

You could take it to a non Citroen garage if dealer prices are too high.

The first step would be to get the Fault Codes out of the ECU, this should show up something more useful than "Gearbox Fault".

With the Codes from the ECU Citroen may be able to tell you the likely reason for the fault and quote for the work, as always, get quotes from other garages for the work.

Hi Stephen,

Did you manage to solve the problem?
What was it?
I have the same problem, your answer would be helpful.
thanks