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        General >> Problems >> Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itself?
        
(Message started by: Aardvark on Jan 30^th, 2009, 9:15pm)

Title: Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itself?
Post by Aardvark on Jan 30^th, 2009, 9:15pm

My father bought a '95 Scorpio 2.0 16V Auto in December 2008 and it leaked auto fluid from the front pipes and the gearbox went doo-lally with erratic downshifts etc.

Also the fluid was brown in colour (but no speedo errata).

We had the leaking pipes fixed plus new auto fluid and again the Autobox played-up with similar symptoms, but with further driving, the Autobox problem now seems to have cured itself with no abnormal behaviour occurring on a long test run whether driving hard, slow or in Sport mode.

Clutching at straws and touching wood, could the more informed on here comment on whether the Autobox could have settled down and is now OK.

NB - The car had stood for c.1 year before we bought it bought in Dec '08

Title: Re: Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itsel
Post by Seans_Dad on Feb 1^st, 2009, 10:16am

Sounds to me like the fluid change is what was needed. Once the fluid goes brown, it's well passed its best, and will give all sorts of trouble. Did you change the filter too?
One thing to note though, is that brown fluid could also point to a failing gearbox, so I would keep an eye on the fluid regularly, and if the new fluid starts going the same way, then you may be looking at a repair/replacement. Just make sure you are with the AA/RAC, as if it goes, you will need a tow home!!

Did the old fluid smell burnt, like old chip fat?

I hope though that you've caught this just in time, and if the autobox is now settling down and behaving itself, your worries may be behind you, but just keep close tabs on it, to make sure.
Well done though. :)

Dan.

Title: Re: Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itsel
Post by gozz on Feb 1^st, 2009, 1:03pm

The torque converter on 'modern' cars cannot be drained,therefore new oil is immediately contaminated on start up.You could remove a cooler pipe at the rad and drain the oil with the engine running to save the job of removing the pan again,this can be done until the oil is clean by repeating the process.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itsel
Post by Aardvark on Feb 1^st, 2009, 7:55pm

TYVM for the replies.

S_D - I do not know if the old fluid smelt burnt but I'll keep checking it regularly to see if it discolours.

Gozz - The fluid is a nice red colour and as it is now running OK I'll leave it be and see what happens.

BTW - A highly recommended local Autobox specialist has test driven her, checked the operation of the box and the fluid and his opinion is that it won't go bang so carry on driving her.

IMO the next tests are driving her in warmer weather or in wet weather to see if this adversely affects anything...............

TBC'd!!

Title: Re: Auto Gearbox problem seems to have cured itsel
Post by matt1987 on Feb 5^th, 2009, 9:13am

you may find in the cold weather if you start the car then place it in reverse it wont move and it will judder and bang it will move if no acceleration is applied but best to start car and place in drive or just keep trying and it will clear, down to a soleniod sticking in the cold done it 4 times this week