300TDi Auto box - no drive

Hi all,

I've been lurking on the site, but this is my first post - sorry for not introducing myself, but i'm kinda stuck......

I have a 1994 Vogue SE with a 300Tdi Auto from a 1993 Vogue LSE.

I put some 500 miles on the RRC in the last week without a problem. On way into work this AM, noticed a couple of shudders in 4th - was very low in fuel so stopped, filled up and all seemed fine.

Continued on for another 15 miles to work without a problem. Come out of work this evening and the RRC moves forward 5 feet and then no forward drive, and reverse all but gone as well (Making an interesting squealing noise).

Seems to have plenty of ATF in the auto box (Looks a bit brown, and level seems slightly higher that I remember it,but I was planning on changing it this weekend anyhow...)

The AA had a look and it appears to be engaging the gearbox OK.

Will pressure test, change oil and filter in the AM - any other things to check before I ppull the box out?

Failing that, does anyone know of a good auto box repair crew in Ireland or am I safer getting a box from Ashcroft?

Not really an auto expert but if the ATF is brown that's really not a good sign.

Drain it out and see if you find anything in there that shouldn't be!

Personally I would be worried about having the box rebuilt by anyone other than an expert.

Second hand ones used to be cheap which was often the chosen option.

Best of luck

I know nowt about classics, but have you tried low range? could be a transfer box problem.

reddwarf said:

Not really an auto expert but if the ATF is brown that's really not a good sign.

Drain it out and see if you find anything in there that shouldn't be!

Personally I would be worried about having the box rebuilt by anyone other than an expert.

Second hand ones used to be cheap which was often the chosen option.

Best of luck

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Sounds like you burned a clutch out my friend. Rebuilding the box is pretty simple, but not something to take on if you don't have a full set of service sheets or have never done one before. Cleaning the valve block, which has possibly caused your problem, can be a mine field with all the different rate springs.

Thanks all - changed the oil - some filings, but oil was chocolate brown with hints of cherry - looks like the clutch pack has burnt out.

Box coming out tomorrow, and it's a trip accross the Irish sea to Ashcroft for me.