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[John Lewis]

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...

[Marie]

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

[Mike Collins]

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?

[John Lewis]

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

[John Lewis]

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.

[John Lewis]

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.

[JamesV6CDX]

I strongly suspect a thrust washer failure.

[Marie]

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

[JamesV6CDX]

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 !!

[Marie]

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?

[JamesV6CDX]

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....

[Marie]

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!!!!!!

[Dave-C]

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

[TheBoy]

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)

[JamesV6CDX]

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