Hi,
 My Abarth 595 Turissmo is almost 3 years old. Only done 11500 miles.

 Current problem is selecting 1st gear when stationary i.e. when pulling away at junction or red light etc. No grinding but lever difficult to push or just won't move. Had the problem approx 2 months!

 Local Italian garage had a quick look and noticed clutch pedal not fully returning i.e. approx 3/4 to 1 inch play. He suggested maybe air in system or clutch problem. Took it to Main dealer today, as still under warranty! (Approx 90+ miles round trip!).

Advised it was probably the slave cylinder failing. Didn't think it was the clutch.

 So I have got to return next week, another 90 miles for the fix, as part to be ordered in??

Of the 11500 miles I have done in the car, 10%, approx 1000 miles have been returning the car to the main dealer for rectification!
Fingers crossed it is the slave cylinder!

Any thoughts or comments welcome. 

I really do hope the gearbox doesn't have to be removed. The tech said it would take approx 1 hour!?

       thanx for reply, I will update shortly. 

Slave cylinder changed. Drove home. Initially appeared to be a little better but probably wishfull thinking. Problem still persists. Embarrassing at junction when can't engage 1st gear!

Going back Wen 29th. Said might need bleeding? Will update!

  

have you tried giving the car a small rev with the clutch out in neutral and then pushing the clutch and trying to get it into gear?

Gearbox removed. Advised flywheel out of balance? Not sure how this relates to first gear selection problems but will obviously accept the findings if problem resolved. Flywheel and clutch to be replaced while gearbox removed.

 

The flywheel has been replaced and the clutch replaced. The main dealer rang yesterday to advise the problem is still present and the solution is a new gearbox.

It appears I am not the only A500 owner to have experienced this problem.

 

Sorted! but still unbelievable! New slave cylinder!,  , new flywheel  , new clutch  & last but not least, new gearbox!  Currently 11250 miles at 3 years!