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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: John Lewis on 14 March 2008, 12:15:46

Title: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 14 March 2008, 12:15:46
Hi all

Just had my car in, changed the gear oil thinking that would do the trick, but admittedly my mechanic isn't a gearbox expert so I need some advice.

The automatic gearbox is playing up in drive, usually around 40mph, but runs through gears 1 2 and 3 fine. I'm having to stick it in neutral when stopping to avoid lunging at the lights, additionally it sometimes slips, not knowing whether to go up or down a gear when in D.

Car has 69k on the clock and its a 2.0CDX, mini facelift (I think, 98/S, steering wheel audio controls).

Could someone please tell us its a tiny job? I've been recommended to drive it using 1,2,3 for now until its sorted.

PS Paper clip test showed nothing, as my engine mgmt light doesn't work :-(

PPS I'm in Portsmouth next Tue-Fri if anyone wants a look...
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Marie on 14 March 2008, 12:43:51
HI,
What colour was the old oil ?
when was the last time it was changed?
Was the gearbox running on low oil before?
Has the oil change made any difference at all or has it stayed the same?
Did the garage remove the small sump to see if the thrust washer was in there?

Check  to see if the breather pipe blocked?
is it leaking any oil ?
Are you getting the power you would normally expect at all other times?

Marie

Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Mike Collins on 14 March 2008, 12:54:45
I'd be inclined to fix the EML to see what else is going on. Someone may have removed it to mask a problem.
Does a transmission error appear in the display?
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 14 March 2008, 13:31:37
Hi Marie

What colour was the old oil ? Pass, will try and find out.

When was the last time it was changed? Pass, no service history, currently on 69k, I doubt ever.

Was the gearbox running on low oil before? Yes.

Has the oil change made any difference at all or has it stayed the same? No difference at all, although this wasn't a garage just a mate of a mate doing it for a favour. He's not touched the gearbox itself just checked the car over and topped up

Did the garage remove the small sump to see if the thrust washer was in there? I doubt it very much.

Check  to see if the breather pipe blocked? I think so

is it leaking any oil ?Pass. Will get back to you, not driven it yet.

Are you getting the power you would normally expect at all other times? Yes unless its just slipped then a recycle of the ignition brings back the power.

Marie
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 14 March 2008, 13:35:00
Quote
I'd be inclined to fix the EML to see what else is going on. Someone may have removed it to mask a problem.
Does a transmission error appear in the display?

Right I think I've been a bit daft ere. The EML is the one shaped like an engine yes, not shaped like a spanner? If so the EML IS working, but I got no readout from the paperclip test - maybe I'll try some 30A fuse wire instead.

After the small freakout I get 'Automatic gearbox' on the display, then the power is v low, pulling away with no oomph whatsoever. A quick ignition cycle brings it back to normal.
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 14 March 2008, 13:36:55
Quote
I'd be inclined to fix the EML to see what else is going on. Someone may have removed it to mask a problem.
Does a transmission error appear in the display?

Right I think I've been a bit daft ere. I presumed the EML light wasn't working, could have been my rubbish connection. The EML is the one shaped like an engine yes, not shaped like a spanner? If so the EML IS working, but I got no readout from the paperclip test - maybe I'll try some 30A fuse wire instead and see if its the paperclip at fault!

After the small freakout I get 'Automatic gearbox' on the display, then the power is v low, pulling away with no oomph whatsoever. A quick ignition cycle brings it back to normal.
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 14 March 2008, 13:37:56
I strongly suspect a thrust washer failure.
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Marie on 14 March 2008, 15:44:51
Quote
Hi Marie

What colour was the old oil ? Pass, will try and find out.

When was the last time it was changed? Pass, no service history, currently on 69k, I doubt ever.Right if i was you i would fully drain and replace the filter in the box, this can make a big difference
Was the gearbox running on low oil before? Yes.This is never good can cuase all sorts of problems
Has the oil change made any difference at all or has it stayed the same? No difference at all, although this wasn't a garage just a mate of a mate doing it for a favour. He's not touched the gearbox itself just checked the car over and topped up

Did the garage remove the small sump to see if the thrust washer was in there? I doubt it very much.this can be done when you change the oil and seals its not a hard job just rather dauting when you have never done it before.

Check  to see if the breather pipe blocked? I think soif you think it is jack the car up and pull the breather off and blow through it to make certain it is clear

is it leaking any oil ?Pass. Will get back to you, not driven it yet.

Are you getting the power you would normally expect at all other times? Yes unless its just slipped then a recycle of the ignition brings back the power.
James is normally right but its always best to try the cheaper options first.
Marie
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 14 March 2008, 15:57:55
I agree with Marie - BUT

Before buying fluid and filters... look for the thrust washer hiding in the little sump at the front!

That option is free !!
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Marie on 14 March 2008, 16:01:10
Quote
I agree with Marie - BUT

Before buying fluid and filters... look for the thrust washer hiding in the little sump at the front!

That option is free !!

still purchase them as if you intend on replacin the gearbox your going to need them anyway!

if it is the thrust washer would you replace the gearbox????
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 14 March 2008, 16:08:42
Quote
Quote
I agree with Marie - BUT

Before buying fluid and filters... look for the thrust washer hiding in the little sump at the front!

That option is free !!

still purchase them as if you intend on replacin the gearbox your going to need them anyway!

if it is the thrust washer would you replace the gearbox????

Doubt it, if the rest of the box was Ok...

Thrust washer is not a complicated job to change.

Reason I said don't purchase the oil etc initially was in case he wasn't going to do the job himself....


Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Marie on 14 March 2008, 16:27:54
Quote
Quote
Quote
I agree with Marie - BUT

Before buying fluid and filters... look for the thrust washer hiding in the little sump at the front!

That option is free !!

still purchase them as if you intend on replacin the gearbox your going to need them anyway!

if it is the thrust washer would you replace the gearbox????

Doubt it, if the rest of the box was Ok...

Thrust washer is not a complicated job to change.

Reason I said don't purchase the oil etc initially was in case he wasn't going to do the job himself....



ok you win!!!!!!
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Dave-C on 14 March 2008, 18:31:22
If no thrust washer in front pan, consider a vacuum leak on the engine!  However if you're getting the "AutoBox" on the MID have a good check of all the electrical multiplugs associated with the box...  

Good Luck.. as said, cheapest option first :y
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: TheBoy on 14 March 2008, 21:49:58
you can't paperclip the gearbox.

If you've been driving with it slipping, that will record a fault.  Does you mate have a code reader capabale of reading the gearbox - you may be lucky and it be a solenoid etc.

But mostly, did he fill it correctly (up to level plug WITH ENGINE RUNNING)
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 15 March 2008, 00:43:37
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I agree with Marie - BUT

Before buying fluid and filters... look for the thrust washer hiding in the little sump at the front!

That option is free !!

still purchase them as if you intend on replacin the gearbox your going to need them anyway!

if it is the thrust washer would you replace the gearbox????

Doubt it, if the rest of the box was Ok...

Thrust washer is not a complicated job to change.

Reason I said don't purchase the oil etc initially was in case he wasn't going to do the job himself....



ok you win!!!!!!
There is nothing to win matey, all opinions are welcome and valid ;)
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 15 March 2008, 19:34:43
Thanks a lot guys, will report back asap. I've passed this info on and I'm sure its gonna be a great help!
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 25 March 2008, 15:06:46
Right then...

Problem persists, and all breathers and stuff have been cleaned out or replaced (one oil pipe was completely blocked and has been renewed). Autobox not touched yet, gonna take it to a proper garage to test the level now if I can or look for the potential knackered thrust washer, I know an honest garage though thankfully.

Please let it not be this Thrust washer, for my bank balance's sake!

There's so many people with the same thing on here someone should set up a bespoke business for Omega gearbox removals and overhauls! If anyone does, just make sure its in Cheshire ;-)

Ere we go..and thanks
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: John Lewis on 25 March 2008, 17:15:51
OK....

I just took it to my local garage, got it up on the ramp, checked the oil level, and BINGO. Low on fluid, like extremely. Ghandi's slipper and nuns gussets don't even come close  :D

Now it doesn't stall or lurch at the lights, pulls when you expect it to, happy days. £10 for the oil, and its sorted.

There was a small matter of one little ~40mph slip on my way home and an 'Automatic gearbox' warning, but I'm putting that down to the fact the oil might not have circulated completely yet (short hop), or as its been dry so long its suffered some damage. It recovered from it a lot more gracefully though than this morning.

Where it would usually slip at 40ish, I was relieved to hear it change down instead. Phewie.

Now I know how to check and fill the oil level even if it is a leaky seal or summat, I'll stick with the cheaper option of a gearbox oil top up!

Woo hooo
Title: Re: Auto gearbox strangeness @~40mph
Post by: Dave-C on 25 March 2008, 18:24:23
Nice one John....  really please all sorted.... new gearbox filter and oil change when the pennies will handle it :y

DC :)