Manual gear change doesn't work on automatic

Hi everyone. New member to the forum so hello to everyone.

Just bought a 1.5 11plate C3, really pleased with it.

Only question I have is that when I move the gear lever over to 'M' it doesn't seem to recognise it and continues to operate as an automatic, and any gear changes I try to action are ignored.

Not that bothered about the manual aspect really, just wondering if it's a setting or could be a sign if a problem with the auto box?

Much thanks in advance!

This sounds like the sensodrive, semi automatic gearbox and not the classic PRND auto box.



I would suspect the gear lever switch assembly to be at fault, but don't go changing things without some diagnosis with lexia diagnostics tool to be sure.

I am not aware of any computer settings or switches that disable manual control.

Thanks for the reply.

It is the newer model with the traditional PRND setup

Brutusgold78 wrote:Thanks for the reply.

It is the newer model with the traditional PRND setup

Sorry
This is the gear selector found in the 2011 models.

The manual mentions:

It is only possible to change from one gear to another if the vehicle speed and engine speed permit; otherwise, the gearbox will operate temporarily in automatic mode.

and it also says

When you move the lever in the gate to select a position, the corresponding indicator is displayed in the instrument panel.
P. Park
R. Reverse
N. Neutral
D. Drive (Automatic driving)
S. Sport program
* . Snow program
1 2 3 4 . Gears engaged during manual operation

-. Invalid value during manual operation

I would be interesting to know what you get on the display when selecting Manual gear selection mode, and what happens when the car takes over gear selection.

Thanks C3CAR

When I move it to M, no change happens on the dash, I still get D and corresponding gear number, and the auto box continues to change gear as required. Just ignoring any change I request.

Thanks again for the help!

Quick update.

Had to have the gearbox assembly replaced. Done under the garage warrenty thankfully as came to £400!

Brutusgold78 wrote:Quick update.

Had to have the gearbox assembly replaced. Done under the garage warrenty thankfully as came to £400!

Thanks for the update!