Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 15:53:15

Title: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 15:53:15
I set off this afternoon  1st use of my car since midnight last night, and I let the engine warm up a bit but where I live, at certain times of the day to get into the flow of traffic I have to FLOOR the accelerator, however I did this and the car lept into life and roared me down the road, I went to turn round and the gearbox felt cluinkier than normal going from D to R, I pulled off gently this time as I didn't need to catch up to traffic speed fast and as I got to a roundabout about a mile up the road my gears were choppy as they dropped down, then when I pulled from a standstill at the roundabout it sort of banged into 2nd gear then was really smooth for another half a mile where I parked up to use the post office, then on the way back everytime I have pulled away from stand still the car seems very sluggish in 1st and 2nd but once in the higher gears and car is going it quite happily flies along.

Could this be low ATF fluid? If so what Dexron do I need? Is it Dexron 5?

At the moment I feel like the top gear team where they are in there lovely cars with the threat of the dreaded banger if theres break down  ;D ;D ;D as my Ford Escort that is running on 3 cylinders is looming in the background with tax and mot as the back up car and 2nd project.

(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m624/crowej1/Omega/DSC03244blankregcroppedcar-nut.jpg)

(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m624/crowej1/Free%20Ford%20Escort%20Given%20to%20me%2016th%20July%202011/DSC03204blankreg.jpg)

Cheers
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Shackeng on 26 July 2011, 16:32:23
Certainly the first port of call is to check the ATF level as here:-http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152783586  :y
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 July 2011, 16:35:13
dex 3 such as fuchs titan 4000

dex 6 should also work, but personally would stick to the known good fluid.

It sounds like it may be your thrust washer, id be checking the front sump for bits of plastic  :'(
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Osprey on 26 July 2011, 16:45:10
Quote
Certainly the first port of call is to check the ATF level as here:-http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152783586  :y

Link above not working for me - dunno if this is any better:

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152783586

Dexron 3 - Fuchs Titan 4000 comes recommended, available discounted from Opie Oils (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-965-fuchs-titan-atf-4000-multifunctional-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx) and probably elsewhere.  Comma is cheap and not widely recommended, although it won't make as much difference for a top up as for a full ATF change. 

A full ATF change and filter clean is good every 70K miles but isn't mentioned by Vauxhall so won't have been done unless by an enthusiast.  Made a big difference to my old Carlton and will be doing it on my Elite RSN. 

Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Osprey on 26 July 2011, 16:46:03
Rats - must type quicker!
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 July 2011, 16:47:10
fyi links never work if you end them with a smilie  :y
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 16:53:59
Thanks, What I am going to have to do money wise for now is buy dexron 3 atf fluid from eurocarparts as it is 15% off and my mate is going to help me change the fluid for now and will check for any plastic parts when we drain the fluid out. then next month or the month after I will change all seals and filters. BTW I might be getting a V reg Gold Estate MV6 3.0 next week with 6 months mot and 6 months tax in straight swap for my Escort. But whatever happens my Silver Mig has to end up repaired as I love my saloon. The estate will be sold as soon as I am finished with it.
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 July 2011, 16:58:01
you need the seals before you start - you drop the sumps to get the fluid out.

or use instant gasket and clean the filter with parafin  :y
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 17:04:07
I read on OOF that another member changed the oil completely without removing the sump. Is that not recommended?
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 July 2011, 17:08:54
If I were you....

try a top up, it may just be low fluid..

if that doesnt work I wouldnt waste your money changing fluid without dropping the sumps.

Then it would be replace if all ok, and if not decide on repair or replace the box.
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: RobG on 26 July 2011, 17:11:27
This will get about 4ltrs out
http://www.pelapumps.co.uk/default.aspx?a10page=pl6000
.....but then you need a pressure sprayer to get the new stuff in
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: feeutfo on 26 July 2011, 18:57:46
... consider completing the service schedule according to OOF
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152655085
before messing around with bumpers, wind deflectors and lowering springs.  ;)
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 20:28:07
I am not lowering my baby. She is staying the ride she is due to comfort and the terrain I use and towing.
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 26 July 2011, 20:28:34
Quote
... consider completing the service schedule according to OOF
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152655085
before messing around with bumpers, wind deflectors and lowering springs.  ;)

Thank you for the link.  :y
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: Webby the Bear on 26 July 2011, 20:51:15
Quote
I set off this afternoon  1st use of my car since midnight last night, and I let the engine warm up a bit but where I live, at certain times of the day to get into the flow of traffic I have to FLOOR the accelerator, however I did this and the car lept into life and roared me down the road, I went to turn round and the gearbox felt cluinkier than normal going from D to R, I pulled off gently this time as I didn't need to catch up to traffic speed fast and as I got to a roundabout about a mile up the road my gears were choppy as they dropped down, then when I pulled from a standstill at the roundabout it sort of banged into 2nd gear then was really smooth for another half a mile where I parked up to use the post office, then on the way back everytime I have pulled away from stand still the car seems very sluggish in 1st and 2nd but once in the higher gears and car is going it quite happily flies along.

Could this be low ATF fluid? If so what Dexron do I need? Is it Dexron 5?

At the moment I feel like the top gear team where they are in there lovely cars with the threat of the dreaded banger if theres break down  ;D ;D ;D as my Ford Escort that is running on 3 cylinders is looming in the background with tax and mot as the back up car and 2nd project.

(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m624/crowej1/Omega/DSC03244blankregcroppedcar-nut.jpg)

(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m624/crowej1/Free%20Ford%20Escort%20Given%20to%20me%2016th%20July%202011/DSC03204blankreg.jpg)

Cheers


 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Auto Gearbox Problem, Please help Which Dexron?
Post by: car-nut on 27 July 2011, 12:29:26
My gears are back to normal, weird!!! Gonna sort out topping up the fluid.