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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 16:47:11

Title: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 16:47:11
Hi Guys,

For those who don't know, I had an issue a few days ago with my Auto box on the MV6, constantly going into limp mode after gear changes, and on a couple occasions, causing a shaking from the autobox.

The code logged was P0748 - Automatic Gearbox Pressure Control Solenoid open circuit.

Having checked the security of all the electrical connections, next step was to take the sumps off for a look (praying there were no remains of thrust washers inside them!!)

I first removed the front gearbox sump, this afternoon. Apart from the (expected) brown-ness of the oil (130,000 miles), it was remarkably clean inside with no bits present. So the Thrust washer is intact!!

I then removed the pressure control soleniod, which is the component the fault code related to. Not too tricky, just held in with a little bracket that slots into the groove.  If any of us are doing just an ATF change, it's well worth noting that upon removal of this solenoid, a LOT more ATF came out of the apeture than was just in the sump. I know we like to get as much out as possible!)

Anyway, here is the old, original one, which I removed.

(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/19112011246.jpg)

I didn't re-fit it, as I had a new replacement, from JPAT (£40, if ever anyone needs one).

So - replacement solenoid in, wires connected to it, and front sump back on.

Ususal drill then followed for removing ATF, and gearbox re-filled using some nice new Red stuff :)

The result?

Well, before, I couldn't get to the end of my road without it dropping into limp mode. This afternoon, (after a short trip to settle/recheck ATF level) - and a shower to get the ATF out of my hair -  I did a very enthusiastic drive of about 20 miles on some A roads, lots of sport mode/kickdown - using the gears lots and really having a good time! No limp mode, no ill effects :)

So - as it stands, I'm pretty confident the issue is fixed, and that the problem was the pressure control solenoid in the autobox.

Some will also remember I have mentioned in the past that I had a high-pitched whine from the gearbox, when listening to it stood outside the car, with the engine idling? This has now also completely gone, so I can only attribute it all to that solenoid.

Also - I'm not sure if this is just placebo effect, or if it's a result of the new solenoid/ATF, but, for some time I've felt the car is a bit flat. Well, after doing this job, it does seem a lot more responsive to apply the drive, gearchanges are better, it generally feels a lot better to drive.

Codes cleared - none returned.

Figers crossed  :y - and thanks to everyone for the various suggestions/opinions :)

Am only posting this in it's own thread because I don't think I've seen this issue crop up much / be related to the solenoid, so hope it might be some use in future, when people with the same problem run a search.

I'll update in due course as to whether it's still behaving. :y


Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: Jimbob on 19 November 2011, 17:35:21
Good result...any chance of a gearbox data live snapshot?
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: YZ250 on 19 November 2011, 17:53:48
Glad you've hopefully sorted it.  :y
Interesting that you got a lot more ATF out with the solenoid removed. Is it a straightforward part to undo, i.e. Is it worth removing the solenoid to drain more ATF out during a routine ATF change or do you risk breaking something. :-\

Regards
Alan
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: blackviper90210 on 19 November 2011, 18:28:23
Good result James, glad to hear that it wasn't any worse than that!!  :y
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: VXL V6 on 19 November 2011, 18:31:19
Good result  :y
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: jonnycool on 19 November 2011, 20:35:43
Tidy, your cars always bring up some 'interesting' problems - wonder what the next saga will be?  ;D
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 20:39:56
Tidy, your cars always bring up some 'interesting' problems - wonder what the next saga will be?  ;D

Is never a saga, just a small hitch ;D
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: blackviper90210 on 19 November 2011, 20:42:00
Tidy, your cars always bring up some 'interesting' problems - wonder what the next saga will be?  ;D

Is never a saga, just a small hitch ;D

You got a towbar now??  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 20:49:01
Although it's all good again..... I still am so torn as to whether or not to put a manual box in there, in the summer....

I do like my auto.... it's smooth, and means I can be lazy.... but, the more I 'enjoy' driving the car, I miss the control of a manual  :-\
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: tunnie on 19 November 2011, 20:50:52
Although it's all good again..... I still am so torn as to whether or not to put a manual box in there, in the summer....

I do like my auto.... it's smooth, and means I can be lazy.... but, the more I 'enjoy' driving the car, I miss the control of a manual  :-\

I've thinking the same, Auto good for stop-start traffic, when I can't be bothered, but I do miss having a manual  :(
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: VXL V6 on 19 November 2011, 20:58:55
Trouble is, I wouldn't say any manual box fitted to an Omega is exactly 'tight' and engaging. Perhaps if there was a way to shorten the throw / make the gate smaller it would be a bit better. That said, it does the job.....
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: bored bigyin54 on 19 November 2011, 21:04:46
well done glad you got it fixed james now you wont throw sophie about
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 21:09:34
well done glad you got it fixed james now you wont throw sophie about

Eh??!
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 19 November 2011, 21:10:21
This 3.0 M reg Manual Omega was the most fun I've ever had in a car!!


(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/CRIM0008-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: VXL V6 on 19 November 2011, 21:15:23
This 3.0 M reg Manual Omega was the most fun I've ever had in a car!!


(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/CRIM0008-1.jpg)

Yes i've had some good fun in an estate.... mind you it was in the evening, I can't remember the girls name and we weren't sitting in the front  ;D
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: blackviper90210 on 19 November 2011, 21:15:24
This 3.0 M reg Manual Omega was the most fun I've ever had in a car!!


(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/jamesv6cdx/CRIM0008-1.jpg)

Well give me your MV6 and take my estate and convert that to manual.... everyones happy  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: feeutfo on 19 November 2011, 21:55:50
Trouble is, I wouldn't say any manual box fitted to an Omega is exactly 'tight' and engaging. Perhaps if there was a way to shorten the throw / make the gate smaller it would be a bit better. That said, it does the job.....
Aeye, ANY other manual would be better. Loooads of clutch pedal travel, and loooads of gear lever travel... Although the gearing would be nice. :)
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 20 November 2011, 16:52:26
Glad you've hopefully sorted it.  :y
Interesting that you got a lot more ATF out with the solenoid removed. Is it a straightforward part to undo, i.e. Is it worth removing the solenoid to drain more ATF out during a routine ATF change or do you risk breaking something. :-\

Regards
Alan

Hi Alan

I reckon I got at minimum a quarter of a litre out of there. It's a peice of cake, bracket held in by 1 x 11mm head hex bolt. Just undo, and ease solenoid out. Just don't strain the wires :y
Title: Re: 3.2 MV6 Autobox / Limp Mode Problem - The Culprit
Post by: YZ250 on 20 November 2011, 18:31:43
Glad you've hopefully sorted it.  :y
Interesting that you got a lot more ATF out with the solenoid removed. Is it a straightforward part to undo, i.e. Is it worth removing the solenoid to drain more ATF out during a routine ATF change or do you risk breaking something. :-\

Regards
Alan

Hi Alan

I reckon I got at minimum a quarter of a litre out of there. It's a peice of cake, bracket held in by 1 x 11mm head hex bolt. Just undo, and ease solenoid out. Just don't strain the wires :y


Cheers for that James.  :y