No reverse

Hi All, just been away on hol, my 2000 td5 auto left standing for ten days, anyway when i first drove it and similar times since when cold it seems to lose power for a second, then back to normal. It seems to be taking much longer to change gear obviously rev couter going really high before it will change. I`ve just been out in car and now i have no reverse gear, I have to rev to about 3500 before it will attempt to inch away. any thoughts gents
Damian

The very first thing you should be doing is checking the oil level in the autobox. To do this easily you will need a trusty assistant and you will need to get under the car to access the oil level/fill plug. I would advise you to get a couple of litrs of Dexron III atf oil in stock beforehand. You'll need a T50Tork bit or an allen key to undo the level/fill plug.

If you are not familiar with the process, here it is:

1. Start with vehicle parked level, handbrake on and engine cold;

2. Start the engine, let it idle, then using the gear selector, go through all selector positions, dwelling 2-3secs in each one to take up drive before moving on - then back to N. Then with the smaller transfer box lever select neutral;

3. Leave the engine running

4. You now get under the car and locate the level fill plug on the front face of the autobox - you'll find this plug just above two metal oilpipes - undo the plug, carefully remove it and see if any oil flows out. If a small amount flows, the level is correct, if a large amount flows it is over full and needs reducing, if no oil flows it needs topping up until it does flow. Replace the level/fill plug when the correct oillevel has been established.

Then check the functions of the gearbox.

Good luck

Dave

Ps If the 'box oil hasn't been changed for a while it might be a good idea to empty it out and refill. You will need 5 ltrs of Dexron III to do this.

Just an update chaps, changed oil ( which was quite dirty brown ). Once done , drove the car and had all gears although still struggling to change.
Morning after no reverse again and really struggling to change gear, going to over 3000 revs before it would change and nearly 70mph before lockup. Took car to landranger at atherton. diagnostic check was fine, informed gearbox knackered, Unfortunatly he cant do it for a few weeks, going to try one of his contacts tomorrow. any one have any suggestions of places in lancs if things dont pan out.
Regards
Damian