I now regrettably bought a 2005 ford fiesta finesse semi automatic from a private seller all of 9 days ago.
After some issues during the past week now today it won't start at all after numerous attempts.
There is a clicking sound and the transmission light is flashing up on the dashboard.

I know the car will not start unless it is in neutral, which is where I left it, but nothing is coming up on the dash.

I am guessing there is a major problem with the gearbox?

I spent all my savings buying this car 1 week ago, the seller claimed they had never had any problems with it.

What should I do? Pay for a breakdown service to bring it to a garage so that I can see what is wrong with it and get a quote for repair?
I am upset at the prospect of potentially forking out a lot of money which I don't even currently have to do a major repair on a car I only bought last week.

I am new to driving and I am overwhelmed with this and unsure what to do. Any help would be extremely welcome.

R, November 2016

You have to press the foot brake pedal and hold it down whilst starting the engine. Do the same thing when putting it into gear. Works a treat, I've got the same system and engine in my Mazda 2.

Peter, June 2019

Post in some of the dedicated Ford forums.

There seems to be a common problem with some Fiesta semi auto gearboxes. Whether it applies to yours, I can't be sure.

Unfortunately it doesn't look promising, although outfits like BBA Reman may be able to assist.

Found some more info using a simple Google search for "Ford Fiesta Finesse 2005 semi automatic won't start" - try it for yourself (and variations on the question) as there is a lot of info out there.

These may help:

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/18178-14-fiesta-finesse-duratec/

http://passionford.com/forum/general-car-related-discussion/427923-2003-fiesta-semi-auto-box-problem-p0810-clutch-position-fault.html

http://www.justanswer.com/uk-ford/7rv6e-ford-fiesta-ls-ford-fiesta-1-4-semi-automatic-wont-start.html

http://www.bba-reman.com/forums/Topic99807.aspx

Sorry its not good news. Welcome to the wonderful world of owning your own car.

I did once have the pleasure of upsetting an AA salesperson. I'd gone on a commissioning site visit using a company hack. Stopped at a motorway services area and was crossing the carpark when the salesperson stopped me and asked if I was a member of a motoring organisation. The conversation carried on:
Me: "No. I've got something better".
AA (Quite aggressively): "Oh yes, what's that?"
Me: "Company car".
AA (backing down): "Oh. I see"
Unfortunately I had to give the car back that evening.

belp, November 2016

There may well be no warning light telling about a weak battery but the clicking you hear may well be a warning.

When a battery becomes too weak to turn over the starter motor and engine - the starter solenoid engages - CLICK - and the battery voltage drops considerably and the solenoid disengages - and the voltage is then sufficient to engage the solenoid again.

If you hear Click - click - clickety click then it is a weak battery - if you just hear the one click then I have no idea -sorry to have wasted your time - my mistake.

Go ahead and change the gearbox.

Continuing Good Luck..., November 2016

Hi, there is no p on my gearstick, the manual states it must be parked in neutral and will only start if it is in neutral.

The transmission warning light flashes indicating that the error lied with the transmission.

There is no warning light indicating any issue with the battery.

R, November 2016

I have a 2004 Fiesta with Auto transmission.

I start it in P for park - it also starts in position N for Neutral

The failure of the engine to start will have nothing to do with the gearbox or transmission.

The clicking sound you hear may well be a symptom of a flat battery.

Good Luck..., November 2016