Gear change

I have a 2003 TD5 ES Diesel Auto, question is when should it change into 4th gear seems to need to go up to 65 mph just over 3000 rpm is this right?? Its a brand new box

Is it the change to fourth or the torque converter lockup? If you're not used to the box, it feels like you're in third, whereas you are in 4th but the lockup has not kicked in yet. Mine changes from 3rd to 4th at about 40 (unless you're accelarating hard), and then torque converter locks (to give direct drive) at just over 50mph. If you drive at a steady 50 and move the selector lever from drive to 3rd, you should notice the downshift.

The torque lockup is temperature dependent - based on the outside temperature, a timer decides when the transmission oil is properly warmed up, and only then will it activate. On a cold morning, it takes about 5-6 miles for this to kick in.

If it's not that and a new box, it doesn't sound like it's working correctly - it's almost as if you're in permanent sports mode, which would change the behaviour to what you are getting. Does that sports mode switch change the setting?

Oh, maybe check that there's enough oil in the box!

Cheers!

Hello.
Did you ever get to the bottom of this problem? I have a similar problem.
Cheers

buggit said:

I have a 2003 TD5 ES Diesel Auto, question is when should it change into 4th gear seems to need to go up to 65 mph just over 3000 rpm is this right?? Its a brand new box

Click to expand...

The gear change points are to a great degree, dependant on how much loud pedal you are giving the car.

For example, on a light throttle you should be in 4th gear by 40mph; on a heavy throttle it might take until 70mph before it drops into 4th.

Torque Converter (TC) is a separate function but feels like it's another gear change. Again it is throttle position dependant. On a light throttle TC lock-up should occur in 4th gear at approx 55mph; on heavy throttle it is unlikely to occur at all. 3rd gear TC lock-up occurs at approx 48mph.

So as you can see the gearbox change points are determined to a great degree by throttle demand; but they are also affected by the 'S' button at the base of the gear lever. If this is selected a light illuminates on the dashboard and the gearbox electronics selects a different set of gear change points, higher up the rev range.

As it's a new gearbox, the first thing I would be checking is the level of oil within the 'box. There is a specific procedure for this which must be followed to get an accurate reading.

Do a search on here for it, or pm me and I'll send you instructions.

Cheers
Dave

Thanks for the reply.
My problem is the torque converter lockup only works when I select 3rd for say 5 sec's (after driving at 100km/hr in D) feel it lockup then re-select D then it locks up in D. While holding a constant pedal and speed. I can drive for miles and miles in D at 100km/hr with no lockup but once I do the 3rd gear shift for 5sec and back into D it locks up fine. Any Ideas. ?
I have had it scanned with no faults. But the Dealer said he could reset the adaptive values which is what I ask them to do.
Can you reset the Transmission adaptive values on a 1999 TD5 Discovery2 and could it help?
Thanks

webbcar said:

Thanks for the reply.
My problem is the torque converter lockup only works when I select 3rd for say 5 sec's (after driving at 100km/hr in D) feel it lockup then re-select D then it locks up in D. While holding a constant pedal and speed. I can drive for miles and miles in D at 100km/hr with no lockup but once I do the 3rd gear shift for 5sec and back into D it locks up fine. Any Ideas. ?
I have had it scanned with no faults. But the Dealer said he could reset the adaptive values which is what I ask them to do.
Can you reset the Transmission adaptive values on a 1999 TD5 Discovery2 and could it help?
Thanks

Click to expand...

You can re-set Adaptive Values but whether this will eradicate the problem with the TC is another question.

From memory there are 5 Motorised Valves (MV) in the valve block of the autobox and I believe that MV5 is the one which actuates the TC lock-up. It's not at all unknown for this to weaken and therefore be less decisive operating the TC.

The good news is that this part is available on it's own for replacement IF that is the problem.