Fiat 124 Spider Abarth: gearbox maintenance and repair

A relatively confidential model in France, with fewer than two thousand units sold between its launch and its discontinuation in 2019, the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is available with an automatic or manual gearbox, the latter option being the rarer of the two. the rarer of the two..

Special features of the Spider Abarth

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is available only with a petrol engine: the Fiat MultiAir 1.4L in-line four-cylinder, delivering 170 hp and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than seven seconds. The transmission is by propulsion the rear wheels of the cabriolet receive the power supplied by the engine.

Whether automatic or manual, the gearbox has six ratios. The driver has a choice, thanks to the Dual Mode Selectorallows the driver to switch to "sport" mode and set a number of options, such as modifying torque, gear change speed and braking power.

Daily gearbox maintenance

The gearbox is a crucial part of the transmission system: without it, the vehicle would come to a complete standstill. That's why it's essential to keep it running smoothly by following a few simple steps:

• Shift into neutral during frequent stops (at traffic lights or in traffic jams) rather than keeping the clutch pedal depressed and first gear engaged to avoid premature wear on the system;
• Keep your hand off the gearshift lever while driving. This bad habit keeps unnecessary pressure on the fork, which in turn risks damaging the gears over the long term;
• Depress the clutch pedal firmly when changing gear;
• As far as possible, avoid skipping a gear when downshifting;
• Regularly inspect the underside of the vehicle to check for oil leaks.

Gearbox oil, which should not be not to be confused with engine oil, as it has as its purpose and properties are different, is the substance that ensures the proper lubrication of the entire transmission system. A leak, and therefore a lack of oil in the system, is detrimental to the vehicle and must be repaired without delay, or risk lasting damage to your Fiat Abarth gearbox.

Warning signs of trouble ahead

The importance of gearbox oil

While an oil leak is one of the most obvious signs, other signs of fatigue or malfunction should alert you. A burning smell in the passenger compartment is another indicator of a gearbox oil problem. The gearbox oil may be loaded with impurities, or be at an insufficient level.. A transmission oil change is recommended after 250,000 kilometers for a Fiat Spider Abarth with a manual gearbox. The automatic version requires more frequent maintenance every 60,000 kilometers.

Other warning points

Other indicators can warn you of a potential problem with your gearbox. These include, but are not limited to:

• Unwanted noises (banging, grinding);
• Clutch pedal or gearshift resistance;
• Excessive vibrations in the cabin ;
• A gear that skips or doesn't engage.

It's a good idea to think ahead and consult a mechanic, who will be able to diagnose a diagnosis based on the symptoms you've described..

Simplify your life with our range of reconditioned gearboxes

A problem with the gearbox doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to change it completely. Unfortunately, when this is the case, the price is often prohibitive, because a new gearbox is expensive.

That's why EDEN BOITES offers thousands of references in its online catalog. Each of our products has been inspected, disassembled, cleaned, tested and put under a one-year warranty. The result: a reconditioned gearbox that offers the quality of new at the price of used ! We collect your old gearbox on receipt of the new one, and if the model you're looking for isn't available, we recondition your own! A reliable approach, economical, but also ecological !

Contact one of our experts by telephone today, or use our online interface it's fast, easy and with no obligation !