Panda Clutch Switch Issue

Hey there, that sounds awfully familiar! I had a similar problem with my Fiat Panda (don't remember the exact year). Symptoms were almost identical – the random starting issue was a real pain. Have you checked the connections to the clutch switch itself? It's like a tiny gatekeeper for starting the car and engaging cruise control. If it thinks the clutch is engaged, it won't let you start or use cruise control. A loose connection can cause all sorts of havoc, like your gear selection display going haywire.

Thanks for the quick reply! When you say 'checked the connections,' what exactly did you do? Did you just visually inspect them, or did you use a multimeter to test for continuity? Also, where exactly is the clutch switch located? I've had a quick look, but it's not immediately obvious.

Okay, so when I say 'checked,' I mean I wiggled them and hoped for the best at first (classic, I know!). But seriously, I then visually inspected for any corrosion or obvious damage. You really need to get a multimeter on it to properly test the continuity. The clutch switch is usually located right at the top of the clutch pedal arm, where it pivots. You'll probably have to contort yourself a bit to see it properly. Honestly, though, with all those symptoms, it might be worth getting a workshop to take a look. It could be a simple fix, but chasing electrical gremlins can be a nightmare. I ended up taking mine in, and they sorted it pretty quickly.

Thanks a lot for the advice! I think I'll take your suggestion and get it checked out by a professional. I've already ordered a new switch (around 95€), but I want to make sure the wiring is okay before I install it. It turns out it was the cable, they fixed it and installed the new switch.