Au transmission help

mattbl · 09-05-2007, 10:06 PM

Hi all

I have a problem with my AU transmission (S1 Ghia). When you start it up and take off it jumps out of drive into neutral, and stays there until either the revs drop or you stop and move the Tbar into park then back into drive.

It only does it when the car is stone cold. It started late last winter and I didn't do anything about it as it went away when the Melbourne mornings warmed up over summer. Now that it's a heading into winter the problem is back.

What is the fix for this and is it a DIY job? I'm reasonably handy on the tools.

Cheers

bodes-sh · 09-05-2007, 10:15 PM

how long has it been since it was serviced? it could possibly also be a gear lever position sensor, have you tried putting it into any other gear, and does it do the same thing?

JC · 09-05-2007, 10:21 PM

Mine used to do this, and it was low fluid - not enough fluid line pressure to keep it in gear. If it's been doing it for a year, you'd be due for a tranny service as well, just to make sure everything's OK.

It could also be the inhibitor switch - follow GKs thread on cleaning the transmissions electrical connectors to "fix" this (unless the switch is completely buggered, in which case for $120 odd it can be replaced).

mattbl · 09-05-2007, 10:22 PM

Its probably been 40k since the tranny was serviced last I haven't touched it since I've had it, apart from the neutral thing when cold it runs fine.
I've tried shifting into different gears when it happens but it stays in neutral.

I would like to have a go at fixing it myself, should I just take the pan off and change the filter, and top it up with flluid and see how it goes?

JC · 09-05-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattbl

Its probably been 40k since the tranny was serviced last I haven't touched it since I've had it, apart from the neutral thing when cold it runs fine.
I've tried shifting into different gears when it happens but it stays in neutral.

I would like to have a go at fixing it myself, should I just take the pan off and change the filter, and top it up with flluid and see how it goes?

Yep that would do it, and at the same time, undo the electrical connectors and spray with WD40 or electric switch cleaner/protector etc.

mattbl · 09-05-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Mine used to do this, and it was low fluid - not enough fluid line pressure to keep it in gear. If it's been doing it for a year, you'd be due for a tranny service as well, just to make sure everything's OK.

It could also be the inhibitor switch - follow GKs thread on cleaning the transmissions electrical connectors to "fix" this (unless the switch is completely buggered, in which case for $120 odd it can be replaced).

Thanks JC I'll have a look at the fluid level in the morning.

private9 · 09-05-2007, 10:27 PM

Definitely sounds like a fluid level issue.

**Mechan1k** · 10-05-2007, 07:47 AM

Same .... my auto is due for a service again ... and I just put my trans cooler back in ... and forgot to add a bit extra fluid .... yesterday morning when it was really cold prior to leaving work I had issues driving out of the driveway ... wasn't holding Drive on an incline .... I sat there for a bit for it to warm up .... and then shifted into 1 and it was fine.

But shift firmness as slackened a bit .... and it is just over 20,000km since the new box was installed .... fluid is still bright red ... which is a nice change.

mattbl · 16-05-2007, 06:52 PM

Well things didn't quite go to plan today. I did a minor service on the car today all went fine, then started looking at the transmission. The last owner has stripped the filler plug and I can't loosen it. I gave it my best shot until I slipped and cut my finger open on the edge of the pan.

The job itself doesn't appear to be hard, if you can do an oil/filter change or change the oil in a diff I reckon the transmission should be easy enough!

I 'm going to have to take it someone to put it up on a hoist to complete, money I wasn't planning on as I'm not working at the moment.

Rant finished

jonbays · 16-05-2007, 07:56 PM

That plug is a bastard size like 16mm or something i remember it well thats why a 17mm or 3/4 spanner which everyone would have will always bugger it up. Why Why Why would Ford use a 16mm on the refill plug?

LOWAU · 16-05-2007, 08:18 PM

My mechanic serviced my auto and the filler plug had loctight on it, so he had to use an impact socket with a 9/16 imperial socket. I know but he said its the only imperial bolt on the whole car.

The issue with the cold mornings could be due to the seals in the auto being a little worn, and requiring a rebuild to fix it. He has put an addidive in when he serviced it to try to rejuvinate the rubbers so they seal a bit better.