Q: I have a Peugeot 106 Independence, and I can SMELL heat coming through the vent and the fan kicks in after about 10 minutes of me driving it. Is that normal? If not, what may be the problem? Also, when changing gears the gearbox is very springy, and as a result the stick can sometimes jump out before I take my foot off the clutch. It's good drive but it is beginning to worry me slightly, I thought I needed to get used to it. I had a Ford previously and it was a much smoother drive, I have never had a Peugeot before and wonder if this is how they drive. Thank you so much for your help x
A: Low coolant level will cause your engine to heat up faster. and a small leak will put coolant on the hot engine...this is what you are smelling. Especially a leak in the heater core, under the dash. Is your floor / carpet wet? Also a thermostat that refuses to open up at 90 degrees! This causes NO flow of new radiator water into the engine. Maybe if you're lucky, the sticking thermostat will open at 95 degrees? Keep an eye on the temp guage....90 is normal. Do you have a guage in that little car? or just a red light for HOT? The answerer above meant 'gear LINKAGE' not 'leakage'. Check to see that nothing is bent or obstructing the metal rod or rods linking the shift lever with the gearbox. Maybe you ran over a tree branch? and it stuck under the car?