Force needed in gear change..what happened??

After returning from a 2 weeks holiday when I've left my 147 manual in 1st gear and handbrake (for good practice I'd think), now I wonder if I've made such mistake as now the gear lever becomes very sticky... I can still engage all gears in working order but it is hard work and with some heavy resistance in particular the "horizontal" movements - i.e. from neutral to 1, 2-3, 4-5. It was all smooth and accurate enough prior to leaving it standing in gear.

From searching previous threads I gather this might be a common/easy fix for the 147? But what exactly has gone wrong? Is it just lubrication needed or something else has seized up or worn in the box? If I drive it would it make matter worse? I'm definitely not mechanically sound so would appreciate all comments/advice. Many thanks!

I had the same thing mate, basically there is a linkage just below the gear lever that has seized, this is very common on 147's. Get it replaced and you will be amazed on what a difference it makes to the drive of the car.

I would recommend going to an alfa specialist who would have seen this hundereds of times before and can advise further.

Hi
Just what you need when you get back from holiday! I'm no expert but if this happened to me I would expect it to be because leaving the car in gear had exposed a bearing surface on the gear selector for a long period of time, causing it to become corroded. I would therefore expect it to free off with use but corrosion can be a funny thing and bind up bearing surfaces as it wears off. If possible, get under the car (or get a willing volunteer) and get someone to move the gearstick, then you can try and see the shaft that is exposed with the car in gear and give it a liberal flush off with WD40. I would recommend drying it off and applying some grease to the same area afterwards, for longer lasting protection. I wouldn't expect anything inside the gearbox has been affected. Your local garage will do the above for you but expect to pay for the peace of mind: 1/2 hours labour of about £30 should do it.
All the best,
74Spider.

many thanks for the helps! does make a lot of sense to me

will be booking her in for a service shortly and get that sorted all together!