RRC 3.9Efi Idling in low range

Hi folks.

Quick query....

Idling on the off roader is fine in park or neutral. In hi range it drops a little in drive with foot on the brake. In low range I select drive and it almost stalls....occasionally picks up, but does seem erratic.

I've tried turning the idle speed up (to the point where the intake whistles like a kettle! lol), but this only masks that erratic idle when low range and drive (or reverse) is selected.

Tried cleaning up the idle/stepper with carb/intake cleaner and some into the plenum too. Hasn't really made a difference.

Am I looking at replacing the stepper?
Or, should there be other things I need to consider?

i would check gear box oil colour by draining a bit out of sump can be first sign that clutch pack is on its way out

Cheers James, didn't think of that. I've never changed the autobox fluid on this one....so well due a change anyways. (about the only thing I've not changed so far)

The issues do tend to be when the motor has warmed up. Not really a problem when starting or running for the first 10 minutes or so...so I'm guessing before the ATF gets up to temp?

see the autobox threads i have commented on before you change the fluid joe!

kiss ya box goodbye.......

fett said:

see the autobox threads i have commented on before you change the fluid joe!

Click to expand...

It wasnt as bad at pay-n-play Tong site today as I was thinkin it might be.
I'll check back through some archives, cheers Fett

Thanks for the reminder Fett. I seem to remember you posting about the govenor taking a hit with all that fresh ATF goin in.
I took the liberty of looking at the FAQs section of Ashcroft Transmissions, and pretty much confirms some doubts about a change being a good idea....

(I quote from their site);
"I have a 4 speed ZF Auto and it sticks in first gear in the morning or when cold and is reluctant to change up from 1st gear. Once the gearbox has warmed up it shifts normally. Why?

The governor valve is sticking, which can be caused by contamination. i.e. clutch plates or other parts disintegrating. The fine debris finds its way past the filter and tends to accumulate in the governor, causing it to stick. A temporary solution is to remove and clean the governor. The problem will often recur as debris from damaged parts continues to build up in the governor. If the problem continues after cleaning the governor then it may be necessary it replace your Autobox.

We have noticed many customers reporting this fault starting a few days after an oil and filter change and after researching this using our experience and the expertise of others in the trade we have come to the conclusion that as ATF oil is a detergent type oil, when the oil is changed this will dislodge and stir up settled debris in the autobox which in turn jams the governor valve. In light of this although it sounds controversial it is debateable if changing the oil and filter is a good idea, some say if the box it going to fail it will fail if the oil is good or bad and their advice is leave it alone. I am still undecided but the truth is I get a lot of calls from customers thinking they are looking after the autobox by servicing it and a few days later this fault occurs."

Hmm, maybe I should spend my time sorting out the handbrake instead, and leave well alone!

thats true but if you still need to check oil to determine if you have clutch pack dragging,govenor is in rear output housing separate from main gear box and can easily be cleaned when t/box removed

jamesmartin said:

thats true but if you still need to check oil to determine if you have clutch pack dragging,govenor is in rear output housing separate from main gear box and can easily be cleaned when t/box removed

Click to expand...

tis true. Yeah, the other way of lookin at it is it doesn't really owe me anything for what I bought it for...so, if the **** hits the fan I guess I could either replace the box (might be inclided the replace engine at the same time, done 150000 miles, but not a nice as my roady RRC done 250000 but been looked after), OR, rip the bits off n put em on another RRC.

hmmm...gonna have a think about it

just run it as is untill it blows up joe , then put a another one in- you will be forced to do that now if a fluid change fooks it up!!

lol! yep, I hear you Fett!

good man

Well....I took a decent sample of the fluid from the autobox today. I was thinkin it would be gloopy crud, but to my suprise (as I've not changed it since my owning), the fluid wasn't bad at all when compared to the fresh stuff. My guess is the former owner must have replaced the ATF, as it certainly hasn't done 150,000 the car has.

So, I've left well alone.

Hmm, either somethin else is affecting the idle, or maybe that the ATF has been changed, or maybe the box has just had it!

its the load it has on it in D when not moving you think?