GT MC Shift Transmission Problems

I’m on a trip through France and had a torrid day with the car and would appreciate any advice/experiences from anyone who may have had similar issues. Apologies for the long post.

The car is a 2011 MC Shift GT, 29k miles and just came back from a minor service last week (with a diagnostic read of 38% clutch wear)

Running smoothly for about 4 hours of motorway progress (so almost all in 6th) and eventually run into standstill traffic. All fine downshifting gradually into 2nd but the car wouldn’t find 1st when I’ve come to a halt. I can hear the car trying to get into first (repeatedly clicking) but it’s jammed in 2nd. What follows is an hour of stop starting and having to do so in 2nd (and the car unsuccessfully continuously trying to find 1st whilst stationary... put it in neutral every time I was stopped to try to limit that). It got especially fun crawling off on 2nd on a steep incline... at which point the “Check transmission - take to dealer” warning flashes for a moment, followed by “make fewer gear changes” (don’t recall the exact phrase). I pulled over at the first opportunity (and realised it won’t give me reverse either) and turned off and let the car rest for 30 mins. Turning back on, no transmission warning light and 1st gear is back, so set off gently ... and run into precisely the same issue again. I’m confused at what this is if the clutch wear is 38%...any advice welcome.
I can’t imagine it’s going to make it back to the UK like this.

Sounds like something else amiss in the gearbox area, although the clutch wear figures are not that accurate. Hopefully someone will be along to offer some sensible steps, but I fear it may be un-good

C

When I first picked up my 2010 MC-Shift 26.5k mile, mine couldn't find 1st once but this was on an incline and in AUTO. I've since not had any issues with manual operation. However, I do understand that the gearbox ECU can 'relearn' and I think mine done this as the car was not driven for a period while in the dealership. I'm no expert but the PIS may need recalibrated on your's.

Do a battery reset first and see what happens after a good 30 minutes off.
If it persists you will need to get it on a diagnostic tool.

I have heard about the TCU refusing to give 1st gear, but this was on mountain roads with some “spirited” driving in the switchbacks, so it was assumed it was related to temperatures. It went away on its own, so I would do what Phil says and see how you go.

As above, start with a battery reset.
Also, check for any sign of fluid leaks around your gearbox. (it's on the rear axle)
A light misting isn't uncommon, but much more than that, and could point to a potential issue. Either the hydraulic fluid or gearbox oil being a bit low, may cause some shifting issues.

Would hope after just being serviced all would be well.
Might need to call them Monday morning.

Fingers crossed it clears itself after the battery advice above.

They can get a bit hufty if it's not obvious whether they should be in 1st or 2nd, but that does seem especially hufty. A 30 minute reset as Phil said. Fingers crossed for you! Enjoy the trip, good luck.

I had exactly this fault. I have a video of it. Car wouldn’t go into first all the time and reverse a lot of the time but only after a few hours driving.

Marios at autoshield fixed it first time for me. The feedback was the clutch just needed a thorough set up, there wad a mention of one of the release beating parameters being way out.
Once Marios had done his thing it’s never once returned

Hope it is an easy fix... I had something similar 4 years back which turned out to be tang collapse of the clutch plate at c40% wear.

Sounds like what happened to me in France, collapse spring tangs. Does it slip when driving in higher gears/loading it?

Also check the back of the gearbox, passenger side for leak

This was a 4200 but the system is virtually identical.

I gave up and had it recovered but in hindsight, if the clutch is knackered then you are not going to make it any worse, with the exception of the flywheel but that should be replaced with the clutch anyway.

It sounds like your pressure plate is failed .
Once and you stop do a battery reset for about five minutes and then see how it is .
If you need any advice your welcome to call me and I will talk to you explaining what to do , 07785994940 .
Marios

Can’t thank you all enough - it had been a lonely bit of head scratching and frustration until this.

Ryandoc - taking comfort from the fact yours was resolved!

Going to read up on battery reset and do that then report back.

Marios - that’s a very generous offer and I will take you up on it! Key issue is whether it can make it back to the U.K. into your safe hands or I have to inch it towards a dealer here in France.

conaero - no issues initially on higher gears but it did develop into slips with 3rd and 5th in particular

If you are anywhere near Le Mans you could call up Phill.

incorrigible said:

conaero - no issues initially on higher gears but it did develop into slips with 3rd and 5th in particular

Click to expand...

Sounds like Matt and Marios have figured it out. That’s a bit of a bugger!

Yeah if you're anywhere near the Mayenne I'm in 53350 Ballots.

Fingers crossed it doesn’t mess up your holiday

philw696 said:

Yeah if you're anywhere near the Mayenne I'm in 53350 Ballots.

Click to expand...

I’m down south in the Luberon. Looks like the nearest option is a Maserati dealer in Aix en Provence or another a bit further away in Montpellier. Anyone had experience or views on either?