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        General >> Problems >> Another weird gearbox problem.
        
(Message started by: Scorp_Kev on Nov 6^th, 2011, 1:20pm)

Title: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Scorp_Kev on Nov 6^th, 2011, 1:20pm

I am now beginning to regret buying this one after another problem has appeared. When cold, it can take a few moments to select reverse. When warm no problems. When cold, drives forward like a dream BUT, if I have to reverse first, it drives like on cobbles very slowly so I select drive and exactly the same, on cobbles. Now for a bit more, I possess one of those cheapo £20 ODB readers, so I plug in and read codes, NONE, so I erase codes anyway. Guess what, it now drives like a dream both ways. I know this is a bit drawn out, but I think I explained it as best I can. HELP please.

Cheers

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by lleewar on Nov 6^th, 2011, 1:29pm

Kev, Is the oil level low. Does it smell "burnt". When was the gearbox filter last changed. Lee

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Scorp_Kev on Nov 6^th, 2011, 1:45pm

lleewar

Both oil levels fine (Engine and ATF). No burning smell. Not sure as to filter as quite a new purchase.

BTW, I did PM you re the door pockets

Cheers

Kev

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Tompion on Nov 6^th, 2011, 3:43pm

It’s not uncommon, mine has always tended to do that in cold weather – so I’ve just lived with it for 50,000mls. It goes onto 2 cylinders. Turning off and waiting a bit usually sorts it.
I just make sure I back into my drive if it’s going to stand overnight & it never causes a problem.
If Dave2302 reads this he’ll probably tell you how to fix it.

I have had codes with it but your reader needs to be able to read advanced codes.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Mike H on Nov 6^th, 2011, 10:57pm

Well, no codes is good. ;D

New oil and filter probably good idea anyway, unless previous owner was an enthusiast or mechanically astute, as it's the sort of thing that's typically ignored.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Tompion on Nov 7^th, 2011, 12:33am

These are the codes I had.
P1701 reverse engagement error
P1749 pressure control solenoid A failed low
P1270 Engine RPM or vehicle speed limiter reached

They’re not always there when the problem occurs & your reader may not see them anyway.

My guess is whatever sticks in the autobox wrongly causes an over rev signal to the ECU which then limits the revs by disabling one of the coil packs &/or injectors.

Changing the oil & filter on mine significantly improved the reverse selection time, but did nothing to improve the other problem.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Scorp_Kev on Nov 7^th, 2011, 6:09am

When you say "Oil and filter" Do you mean ATF or engine.
Thanks

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by PJDavis on Nov 7^th, 2011, 8:05am

Get the right ATF and a 'Screen-Filter' and sump gasket. You'll need the car up on ramps and remove the Autobox sump, replace screen filter and oil. If just doing the oil from the sump you'll only get about 5 litres out, if you remove hoses from the radiator, and do other things you'll get more out. One thing to remember, when putting the new screen-filter in, make sure the bolt bears up onto the filter, it's too long and will need washers.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Dave2302 on Nov 7^th, 2011, 10:09am

Hi,

This is a very common problem, and as was said, a simple code reader will not see the code, but when you do a code clear it will clear all codes, even un-seen ones.

It can be caused by a few things, and TBH I have never really got to the exact root cause, because I reckon it can be caused by several different faults ;)
I had an Auto Gearbox Specialist firm for 25 years LOL ;)

First thing is to renew the selector position sensor on the side of the gearbox this has cured a lot of them.
You need a special tool / old wiring plug and multimeter to do this ;)

Failing that a new EPC solenoid in the valve block usually cures the rest of 'em, but extreme cases have had to have an engine / gearbox loom (called Fuel Cut Off Loom by Ford). The insulation breaks down and they short out.

If you don't want to spend money, as has been said, simply stick it back in neutral, let it run for a minute or so and then switch it off and re start it and it should then reverse OK.

HTH Dave

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Mike H on Nov 7^th, 2011, 1:10pm

Yep could be wiring, which includes the position sensor which is like just a wirewound potentiometer, PCM uses that to know what gear you want to be in.

Have you had the green 'O/D' light flashing?

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Scorp_Kev on Nov 8^th, 2011, 6:57am

No O/D Light.
I have been quoted £145 for atf and filter and labour. Does seem pricey, but needs doing.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Dave2302 on Nov 8^th, 2011, 9:08am

Sounds Cheap to me :)
Auto Oil is getting dearer by the day ;)

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Mike H on Nov 8^th, 2011, 3:04pm

No O/D flashing is good. http://livinginthepast-audioweb.co.uk/images/misc/th_thumbsup.gif

on 11/06/11 at 13:20:13, Scorp_Kev wrote:

When cold, it can take a few moments to select reverse. When warm no problems.

FYI handbook says shouldn't take longer than 4 seconds.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Scorp_Kev on Nov 13^th, 2011, 8:45am

I thought I would add this as a way to save maybe lots of people wasting money on oil changes.
When speaking to a colleague at work regarding my problem, he informs me that his brother is the parts manager at our local Ford dealer (Dinnages, Worthing) and he could probably get me the filter at family discount. After a chat with him, he came back with the price but said it was very very rare that this needs changing and asked the exact problem. He then had a word with his workshop manager (A scorpio gearbox expert) who came back with. "Before doing all the oil changing, has the front bumper ever been removed". Yes, it suffered from a small accident before I bought the car and has been repaired. He says " There you go. Look behind bumper as the wiring loom which controls gearbox etc runs behind the bumper is prone to corrosion. A wire insulation tidy up should solve your problem"
I await a nice sunny sunday and will let you know

To be continued........

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by Mike H on Nov 13^th, 2011, 7:54pm

Yep leccy gremlins, distinct possibility, as the PCM also controls the box.

OK appreciate that the fluid shouldn't need changing on the other hand these cars are now getting old and I can't see fluid lasting >10 years very well ;D

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by PJDavis on Nov 13^th, 2011, 8:02pm

Can we PLEASE STOP using acronyms! PCM?? Those of us ignorant berks that don't know what is being talked about! I have had some gearbox issues since I had the car, but notice that the front bumper has been removed at some point, (it's position isn't exact) I would like to know where this wiring loom is behind the front bumper so I can inspect it. Any help appreciated.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by adam on Nov 13^th, 2011, 8:39pm

Powertrain Control Module. HTH, LOL. ;D

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by gozz on Nov 13^th, 2011, 11:25pm

The wiring loom is above the bumper clearly in view,there is nothing critical behind the bumper.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by PJDavis on Nov 14^th, 2011, 10:13am

The only wiring loom I can see runs behind the front cross-member attached with clips. In amongst that wiring loom on the drivers-side is a wee blanked-in (with a red plug) connector, is that the loom we're talking about?
Thanks, Peter.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by gozz on Nov 14^th, 2011, 10:25am

That's it PJ,it goes from the offside inner wing plug round to the POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE ;) That part of the loom is not as badly affected as the parts getting heat from the engine.
GOZZ.

Title: Re: Another weird gearbox problem.
Post by PJDavis on Nov 14^th, 2011, 1:46pm

Thanks for the quick replies Gozz. I'll have a 'Deek' at that loom at some stage. :D