Autobox issues potentially.

Sebastienclement · 23rd February 2016, 15:43

Hi chaps,

Had my autobox fluid changed last week by a well respected MG-Rover specialist. He noted that the box was low on fluid before the change.

The box is now much smoother and quieter! I didn't realise the was a distinct whine from it before. The only problem is that now when accelerating hard there is a hesitation at about 34-36 mph. It feels like an extra gear change is happening - but it isn't. Doesn't happen when accelerating gradually, but it's definitely there when booting it (CDT 160 remap). I honestly have no idea if it was like that before the fluid change.

It doesn't happen in sports mode. Any ideas?

Sidetops · 23rd February 2016, 18:03

I hope its ok. Reading this filled me with dread.
When I had my (diesel) auto the gearbox was just fine. I had been advised that prevention is better than a cure, but usually take the view that 'if it ain't broke then don't fix it' and of course I'm wishing I'd taken my own advice. Without wishing to scare you (your car may well be different) when I had my gearbox fluid changed it was lovely and smooth for about 2 months, then bang.

maxxpump · 23rd February 2016, 18:15

I'm not being funny but I had my fluid changed on my box it has never been right since, I believe it was over filled and not levelled properly, it now has dodgy changing gears and clunking, changed the fluid again last month and found quite a bit of metal swarf on the drain plug magnet (could have been there from before, but don't know), fingers crossed it lasts a bit longer. But the box was running overfilled for around a year before I did a complete drain and refill and believe that damaged the box in some way, as its still not right now. Not scaring you either but my box will need changing sometime in near future and with the level not being correct could cause some serious issues.

Sebastienclement · 23rd February 2016, 18:33

Having driven home tonight I think it's when there torque convertor locks up in 4th gear.

first-things-first · 23rd February 2016, 19:39

Hi Tim

Just to add the other side of the coin. Did my auto box change - as it was due - and did the full flush replacing all fluids. Felt OK ish before (see below). No real difference afterwards.

I have had (and did before) gear changes that held onto revs after a gear changed (expected it to lower more) at the 4th gear change and that the changes had a slight harshness about them (not big thumps just not totally seamless). At a rolling take off (like when you slow down for a roundabout on a motorway slip road) and then accelerate without stopping, I often had lack of power then bang it would accelerate type hesitation.

This leads me to the solution for me. EGR. Clean it well (I used oven cleaner to give it a serious seeing to). Sticky EGR's (if you still have one) affected the above. Now my car drives much better. No excessive hesitation from a rolling take off (you will still get some lag as it is not the most responsive gearbox), much more seamless changes (smooths out so now have to "feel" for the changes) and the 4th gear change is much better - holds on to revs as before, but the car is accelerating not in "wishy washy" make your mind up land.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=234663

Other things to look at - braided pipes to EGR - mine were old, frayed and could not hold pressure. Means the EGR not being controlled tightly. Change for a few quid.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...gr#post2073981

Cleaning the manifold also helps - better airflow, a little better responsiveness. But, this is a much dirtier job. Almost need chemical warfare kit.

Cheers

Andrew

DMGRS · 23rd February 2016, 21:11

My automatic was horrific before the fluid change I did 2 years ago - and has been absolutely fine since. Sometimes it's really beneficial.

Sebastienclement · 1st March 2016, 15:22

Right, so, this is beginning to annoy me now. Car has been fine all week going to and from work. Went out in it the other night and it was doing the same thing at the same speed even under lighter throttle

Been out for a drive today and can confirm in normal mode it does it about 35mph, and in sports mode it's happening at about 42-45 mph.

The revs drop a little while it's happening, it's as if the box decides it's going to change gear but then doesn't resulting in a short loss of drive and then picks the drive up again.

Possible solenoid issue or something more sinister?

James.uk · 1st March 2016, 16:54

Sounds as though you need more fluid. Check the level again..

...

Sebastienclement · 1st March 2016, 17:53

I can't see that to be honest. Used a very well regarded local MG Rover specialist who really knows his stuff. The box WAS low on oil before the change which he brought to my attention.

Before the change the box was whiny - it is now silent.

SD1too · 1st March 2016, 22:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebastienclement

Used a very well regarded local MG Rover specialist who really knows his stuff.

In that case Tim there isn't a problem. But everyone is allowed to make a mistake occasionally.

Given the symptoms you describe, James.uk's advice is spot-on. The decision is yours Tim.

Simon

23rd February 2016, 15:43	#1
Sebastienclement Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 136 Thanked 160 Times in 85 Posts	Autobox issues potentially. Hi chaps, Had my autobox fluid changed last week by a well respected MG-Rover specialist. He noted that the box was low on fluid before the change. The box is now much smoother and quieter! I didn't realise the was a distinct whine from it before. The only problem is that now when accelerating hard there is a hesitation at about 34-36 mph. It feels like an extra gear change is happening - but it isn't. Doesn't happen when accelerating gradually, but it's definitely there when booting it (CDT 160 remap). I honestly have no idea if it was like that before the fluid change. It doesn't happen in sports mode. Any ideas?

23rd February 2016, 18:15	#3
maxxpump Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDT Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Brighton Posts: 1,786 Thanks: 215 Thanked 244 Times in 205 Posts	I'm not being funny but I had my fluid changed on my box it has never been right since, I believe it was over filled and not levelled properly, it now has dodgy changing gears and clunking, changed the fluid again last month and found quite a bit of metal swarf on the drain plug magnet (could have been there from before, but don't know), fingers crossed it lasts a bit longer. But the box was running overfilled for around a year before I did a complete drain and refill and believe that damaged the box in some way, as its still not right now. Not scaring you either but my box will need changing sometime in near future and with the level not being correct could cause some serious issues. __________________ Mods done: 160 upgrade, EGR bypass, Viton "O" rings, Fitted 16" unions, cleaned manifold, uprated air filter, fog lights, better bulbs, upgraded ICE and full speaker set up.

23rd February 2016, 19:39	#5
first-things-first Posted a thing or two MG ZT Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Hornchurch Posts: 1,255 Thanks: 176 Thanked 352 Times in 272 Posts	Clean the EGR Hi Tim Just to add the other side of the coin. Did my auto box change - as it was due - and did the full flush replacing all fluids. Felt OK ish before (see below). No real difference afterwards. I have had (and did before) gear changes that held onto revs after a gear changed (expected it to lower more) at the 4th gear change and that the changes had a slight harshness about them (not big thumps just not totally seamless). At a rolling take off (like when you slow down for a roundabout on a motorway slip road) and then accelerate without stopping, I often had lack of power then bang it would accelerate type hesitation. This leads me to the solution for me. EGR. Clean it well (I used oven cleaner to give it a serious seeing to). Sticky EGR's (if you still have one) affected the above. Now my car drives much better. No excessive hesitation from a rolling take off (you will still get some lag as it is not the most responsive gearbox), much more seamless changes (smooths out so now have to "feel" for the changes) and the 4th gear change is much better - holds on to revs as before, but the car is accelerating not in "wishy washy" make your mind up land. http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=234663 Other things to look at - braided pipes to EGR - mine were old, frayed and could not hold pressure. Means the EGR not being controlled tightly. Change for a few quid. http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...gr#post2073981 Cleaning the manifold also helps - better airflow, a little better responsiveness. But, this is a much dirtier job. Almost need chemical warfare kit. Cheers Andrew

23rd February 2016, 21:11	#6
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,320 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	My automatic was horrific before the fluid change I did 2 years ago - and has been absolutely fine since. Sometimes it's really beneficial. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

23rd February 2016, 18:03	#2
Sidetops I really should get out more....... Land Rover Freelander 2 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: East Sussex Posts: 2,252 Thanks: 293 Thanked 327 Times in 240 Posts	I hope its ok. Reading this filled me with dread. When I had my (diesel) auto the gearbox was just fine. I had been advised that prevention is better than a cure, but usually take the view that 'if it ain't broke then don't fix it' and of course I'm wishing I'd taken my own advice. Without wishing to scare you (your car may well be different) when I had my gearbox fluid changed it was lovely and smooth for about 2 months, then bang.

23rd February 2016, 18:33	#4
Sebastienclement Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 136 Thanked 160 Times in 85 Posts	Having driven home tonight I think it's when there torque convertor locks up in 4th gear.

1st March 2016, 15:22	#7
Sebastienclement Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 136 Thanked 160 Times in 85 Posts	Right, so, this is beginning to annoy me now. Car has been fine all week going to and from work. Went out in it the other night and it was doing the same thing at the same speed even under lighter throttle Been out for a drive today and can confirm in normal mode it does it about 35mph, and in sports mode it's happening at about 42-45 mph. The revs drop a little while it's happening, it's as if the box decides it's going to change gear but then doesn't resulting in a short loss of drive and then picks the drive up again. Possible solenoid issue or something more sinister?

1st March 2016, 16:54	#8
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	Sounds as though you need more fluid. Check the level again.. ...

1st March 2016, 17:53	#9
Sebastienclement Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: London Posts: 1,237 Thanks: 136 Thanked 160 Times in 85 Posts	I can't see that to be honest. Used a very well regarded local MG Rover specialist who really knows his stuff. The box WAS low on oil before the change which he brought to my attention. Before the change the box was whiny - it is now silent.