Love my 2003 Disco but really not getting on well with an auto box. Crossed my mind that it might be possible to convert an auto to a manual box. Can you advise if this is possible, easy, expensive etc. Has anybody done it?
Obliged for comments.
Thankyou Sierrafery. Looks like a big task but I will have a close look.
It's quite a big and potentially expensive job to change from auto to manual, so can I ask, what do you mean by "not getting on well with the autobox" ?
Perhaps it could be that with some new information or guidance, you to be more settled with the autobox.
So, what's the problem........................................................?
Thankyou Biglad............. I can feel the fatherly arm around the shoulder despite me being a pensioner. If you are prepared to read then I am prepared to write. You were good enough to offer some help in my other recent thread of slow to power up in the morning. A further reply started offering what was no doubt sound advice but I could see myself being drawn into a lot of trial and error and cost!
All spin but little sign of power..........
Bought my 2003 TD5 ES 120k as a treat a few weeks ago privately. After picking up and coming down the motorway was disappointed by lots of slip, high revs and little willingness to get into a higher gear despite backoff. 3000rpm at 60 knots later showed that top gear was not kicking in.
Full service couple of days later with autobox oil/filter change. Then we had the 'put into reverse when cold problem' and many seconds before pickup. No 'kick' as I would expect. Checked gb fill and it took another litre but no change in cold starts. Gear changes were however more apparent with top now locking in at 55.
The big problem I still have is that the engine revs very high without the oomph... that you would expect. Trickling along at 30 requires about 2k revs. The slightest backoff and the vehicle slows. The slightest peddle increase and the engine rockets to 2300, 2500 like a windmill spinning but no real power or dramatic speed increase. Its like a badly slipping clutch.
Hitting the peddle hard certainly does provide high spin and drive but nothing like the power and control that I have when top gear is locked in and I accelerate from there.
Also noticed that vehicle is quite happy to slowly roll back when on a slope in drive.
Think I've read most of the associated threads and I'm stuck between the conclusion of a bad box or a disco driver who is not gracefully accepting the workings of an auto.
My latest plan was to invest in a 'full diagnostics' but I get the impression this will provide no guarantee and may merely confirm box is fine, driver is not.
Hence my dilemma. If you are willing to stay with me I'm very happy to do whatever tests you prescribe in the hope of disproving or proving. I do have a caravan but really have no faith in being able to get that 'bite' you need with power and moderate revs.
Obliged for any help.
I have a v8 auto so the engine is different , but it may be worth driving it like a manual , try leaving it in 2 round town or as biglad says 3 on a roads and only use d if you aren't towing or are on a m/way.
even when i'm not towing I flick between d and 3 on slower (sub 50mph) a roads and will often leave it 2 round town if in 30mph zones , makes it much smoother.
Thanks guys... that is a little more reassuring. It seems as though what I am describing is quite normal with no obvious transmission problems. I will continue to experiment but with some concern on comment that third gear locks. I know fourth does as I can feel it, but it feels very much as though three is wandering without a lock. How do I check this please. Clearly if three was locking properly then I would feel much more comfortable and 'normal'.
Help so far appreciated.
Been running round town in third gear and this feels bit better. Not had chance for a country run with a third gear lock trial but presuming from whats been said this will be ok.
Couple of technical issues for you please.
1. Usual problem this morning of a cold start and very slow response from reverse take up. Five seconds plus.
2. Also when I then shifted into three, the engine stalled. Done this before.
3. Tried a load test as prescribed on another thread. Box good and warm. Into Drive with foot on break and full throttle. Revs went to 2900.
Does this tell us anything or does it confirm my paranoia.
Thankyou.........
Thankyou. Clarification on 2. Cold start; straight into reverse with normal delay (perhaps you're right - I'm too impatient ). Then after 20yds reverse, into 3 when stall occurs. Engine idle is 750 hot with c900cold.
Did a red plug clean up after initial problems. Well soaked, cleaned thoroughly, dried, reconnected and fine...... but no change to any issues.
No map or maf checks and with only isolated cases of stall perhaps unlikely and not a main issue at this time.
Yours sincerely,
Paranoid.
hello Criky 18,
where are you in case another auto vehicle could arrange a meet and compare vehicles.
I have a 300Tdi auto, as far as i know same box,and i would not do without it.Also tow 15 foot caravan to north east of Scotland 2/3 times a year, 400 mile round trip, and keep geting a row from SWMBO for going too fast and have to rein back from 70+.
Jim Anderson
1996 300Tfi auto(jap reimport)
Welcome To LandyZone, the Land Rover Forums!
Here at LandyZone we have plenty of very knowledgable members so if you have any questions about your Land Rover or just want to connect with other Landy owners, you're in the right place.
Registering is free and easy just click here, we hope to see you on the forums soon!