Autobox troubles :(

I've changed the auto-box oil a couple of weekends ago. Today went down the road first thing this morning it seemed to be stuck in first, then lost all drive. So I stuck it in neutral and back to drive and off it went again. Then about 10 miles into the journey when I got up the torque converter lock up at 50ish. Then when I let off the throttle, it was as if I stuck it 2nd. If I power back on its ok, then when I slowed right down it was like I had the hand-break on. It made like a squeal noise then freed. Been out again and it does it if I get up the torque converter locking in, it does it. If I stay in 3rd it drives round fine upto 70mph and back down fine, put it to drive then the problem is there. Any ideas regards Steve

Maybe check the oil level in the autobox?

WSLR said:

Maybe check the oil level in the autobox?

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Have done and its on the max mark. I'm at a loss with it as I don't know anything about auto-boxes. think probably best just to change it!

smurphy said:

Have done and its on the max mark. I'm at a loss with it as I don't know anything about auto-boxes. think probably best just to change it!

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When you checked the oil level, was it done with the engine running?

Dave

Like the biglad says, it needs to be running and you need to shift through the geats before checking. It helps if you have someone to help you.

Did you use DexronIIG or III as specified for the ZF 4HP22?

I have heard of people having problems after changing fluid because the new fluid is a detergent and acts a bit like veggie oil and disturbs all the ****e in yer box. It then blocks yer govner valve and causes all kinds of problems. Thats why I didn,t do mine. If it aint broke..................

The later ZF's on the L319 and L320 are quite sensitive, so ZF specify a double flush procedure. Just run it at the correct level for a while and if it is still doing it, change it again with a new filter.

I checked it whilst cold and running, changing into every gear and back to neutral as it says in the rave. I think that it something to do with the torque converter, as I've done a 15mile round trip in 3rd and no problems. Just a little slow changing up and down, but smooth changing too. As soon as I get it locked in the torque converter its as if it doesn't let go again. I've managed to get a auto-box and torque converter with a 3mth warranty for £150. So just going to fit that instead of messing around.

Well glad I secured another box and converter, put it in reverse and it went bang. It still has a little drive but at around 2mph no matter how much you rev it, it just shudders. I'm so hoping that is the gear-box or torque converter. DAM YOU CAR!!!!!

Hold did you fit it? That sounds like the pump has broken; easy to do if you fit the box incorrectly.

andyb66 said:

Hold did you fit it? That sounds like the pump has broken; easy to do if you fit the box incorrectly.

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No its the old box that went bang, I've read up and rang round and it seems that doing an oil change can dislodge the crap in the box. Which then gets in the seals, pump and governor. Rather than messing around with it, may as well just change it.

smurphy said:

No its the old box that went bang, I've read up and rang round and it seems that doing an oil change can dislodge the crap in the box. Which then gets in the seals, pump and governor. Rather than messing around with it, may as well just change it.

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Thats what I said !

smurphy said:

it seems that doing an oil change can dislodge the crap in the box.

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Yes this happens a lot. Ashcroft don't recommend just changing the oil. You need to do a flush really. Needs twice the ATF but is very much worth it.

It may be prudent to put in an additive you can get for auto boxes its about £10 £15 but its supposed to soften any hardened seals and smoothen out gear changes. I put some in a cavalier I used to have that flashed up auto box probs solved that, I'm thinking of putting some in my Disco auto.