Automatic Transmission Prob?

Rebel · May 5, 2009

Hi all, please help.

Am new to cars

Since about a month or so(may be slightly more) I noticed a thud#jerk when shifting in to D from P ans sometimes vise versa. I ignored this think it was 'just' an issue that would be sorted next time the car was serviced.

The problem has changed since yesterday however and has escalated.

Driving home last evening I noticed that when moving off from a standstill the car was a bit sluggish. Giving it gas resulted in the RPM climbing to about 2K at which point the card would jerk forward. (some what similar to what it would be like when suddenly releasing the clutch of a manual car) This has increased in frequency now that it happen on mots occasions this morning and evening as well. Traffic on Parliament road was heavy and I drove in low gear thinking it would decrease the prob.

I searched the forum and saw a couple of similar cases. Mines just a tad bit different.

In neutral RPM is about 800 or so. If idling in D its about 750. Is this normal??

An uncle knows a Manager at A*W and he's set up an inspection tomo. I would like to know your ideas before I have hear what they say.

Thanks in advance

Rebel · May 8, 2009

Guess everybody's a bit too busy..

Just to update. The mechanic at A*W says the gear box is faulty. First step suggested was to change ATF. He had flushed the system and filled used but good quality fluid. The prob didn't go away but decreased by a huge percentage.

Next step suggested is to either to replace the gear box with a second hand one or to open up the gear box and look for a faulty plate etc.

Checked a few places in Delkanda; prices range from 18K to 25K.

Any advice?

miniace · May 8, 2009

Rebel said:
Guess everybody's a bit too busy..
Just to update. The mechanic at A*W says the gear box is faulty. First step suggested was to change ATF. He had flushed the system and filled used but good quality fluid. The prob didn't go away but decreased by a huge percentage.

Next step suggested is to either to replace the gear box with a second hand one or to open up the gear box and look for a faulty plate etc.

Checked a few places in Delkanda; prices range from 18K to 25K.

Any advice?

Hi!

Replacing the tranny is ultimate but there are so many things needed to be done before coming to that stage.Changing ATF is the first step of all.

Whats your car and YOM?

Suggest you take the car to an auto tranny specialist like Mr Ajith Hemachandra .

Not a big issue I think.

MINIACE

Rebel · May 9, 2009

miniace said:
Hi!
Replacing the tranny is ultimate but there are so many things needed to be done before coming to that stage.Changing ATF is the first step of all.

Whats your car and YOM?

Suggest you take the car to an auto tranny specialist like Mr Ajith Hemachandra .

Not a big issue I think.

MINIACE

Thanks for replying mate.

Its s FB15 99. The mech at A*W changed the ATF but not with new fluid. He told me he'll try some used (but good quality) fluid and check if there's a positive effect. He said there wasn't so suggested I go for a new gear box or open up this to check it out.

Personally I feel a whole load of difference. Driving home last Tuesday there was about 60% occurrences. Now it more like 3-4 for a drive. This too after some time. Does that mean anything? i.e. heating up causes a prob..

Also could I have the contact details of Mr Hemachandra?

Thanks again.

Cheers

Edited May 9, 2009 by Rebel

miniace · May 9, 2009

Rebel said:
Thanks for replying mate.
Its s FB15 99. The mech at A*W changed the ATF but not with new fluid. He told me he'll try some used (but good quality) fluid and check if there's a positive effect. He said there wasn't so suggested I go for a new gear box or open up this to check it out.

Personally I feel a whole load of difference. Driving home last Tuesday there was about 60% occurrences. Now it more like 3-4 for a drive. This too after some time. Does that mean anything? i.e. heating up causes a prob..

Also could I have the contact details of Mr Hemachandra?

Thanks again.

Cheers

Poor show by A M W mechanic.

Contact Mr Ajith of Roadstar Seeduwa 0777 383 526.

Good luck!

MINIACE

Watchman · May 9, 2009

I had the same problem with our Auto G.Vitara. But it was on the reverse. It would not engage and when yourev it up it suddenly engage.

We advised by someone that there is a filter inside the transmission, and that it needs to be cleaned. I wasn't at home when it was being done, but its doable in a small (preferably known) garage or at home.

Anyway, cleaned the filter, qand it was back to normal. Could be something similar you're facing

Rebel · May 9, 2009

Dilesh said:
I had the same problem with our Auto G.Vitara. But it was on the reverse. It would not engage and when yourev it up it suddenly engage.
We advised by someone that there is a filter inside the transmission, and that it needs to be cleaned. I wasn't at home when it was being done, but its doable in a small (preferably known) garage or at home.

Anyway, cleaned the filter, qand it was back to normal. Could be something similar you're facing

Thanks for the info. So I guess next step would be to get the gear box opened up and inspected? Your explanation makes sense I think as my prob decreased a lot after changing the ATF(even though they didn't complete it)

@Miniace I'll call Mr Hemachandra and check. Seeduwa is a bit too far as I'm from Kotte. Any other places closer to Kotte.

And also any body who's good to get the engine tuned? Don't trust my garage anymore! A*W said it'd cost 10K-12K with plugs an filters. Ideas?

miniace · May 9, 2009

Rebel said:
@Miniace I'll call Mr Hemachandra and check. Seeduwa is a bit too far as I'm from Kotte. Any other places closer to Kotte.

He he guess you are worried about tranny and wants a good one to fix it up...not just somebody...

MINIACE

Rebel · May 9, 2009

miniace said:
He he guess you are worried about tranny and wants a good one to fix it up...not just somebody...
MINIACE

Well I am worried about messing up the tranny! Replacing it could cost me! Specially these days! I'm going to Wattala for a family function tomo. Might call him if thats ok.

HardHat · May 10, 2009

Dilesh said:
We advised by someone that there is a filter inside the transmission, and that it needs to be cleaned. I wasn't at home when it was being done, but its doable in a small (preferably known) garage or at home.
Anyway, cleaned the filter, qand it was back to normal. Could be something similar you're facing

would definitely recommend this. Your problem sounds like a block in ATF circulation. In most A/T boxes the filter is located at the bottom and is accesible through a removable panel. Not a difficult operation to clean or replace this

VVTi · May 10, 2009

HardHat said:
would definitely recommend this. Your problem sounds like a block in ATF circulation. In most A/T boxes the filter is located at the bottom and is accesible through a removable panel. Not a difficult operation to clean or replace this

Yep, cleaning it up and doing a ATF fluid change with NEW oil would more or less solve the issue. Change of the Slushbox is the ABSOLUTE LAST option.

Rebel · May 10, 2009

HardHat said:
would definitely recommend this. Your problem sounds like a block in ATF circulation. In most A/T boxes the filter is located at the bottom and is accesible through a removable panel. Not a difficult operation to clean or replace this

VVTi said:
Yep, cleaning it up and doing a ATF fluid change with NEW oil would more or less solve the issue. Change of the Slushbox is the ABSOLUTE LAST option.

Hi Thanks for the advice.

Although it sounds easy, is this something that can be done at home? Or any ideas on a garage#mechanic close to Colombo? Was unable to take up on Miniace's advice today. Will do so tomo.

HardHat · May 11, 2009

Rebel said:
Although it sounds easy, is this something that can be done at home?

better do it in a garage mate. need a service pit or ramps, may need to drain ATF and retain in a proper clean container for re-fill, need compresed air to clean the stuff, may need to replace the slush box, need gasket or sealant when putting the cover back on, etc etc - might be a tall order if you are not into DIY taht deep.

VVTi · May 11, 2009

HardHat said:
better do it in a garage mate. need a service pit or ramps, may need to drain ATF and retain in a proper clean container for re-fill, need compresed air to clean the stuff, may need to replace the slush box, need gasket or sealant when putting the cover back on, etc etc - might be a tall order if you are not into DIY taht deep.

HardHat, at whcih point will you be replacing the SlushBox? Will you be taking it out after you clean the filter or before?

Rebel · May 11, 2009

HardHat said:
better do it in a garage mate. need a service pit or ramps, may need to drain ATF and retain in a proper clean container for re-fill, need compresed air to clean the stuff, may need to replace the slush box, need gasket or sealant when putting the cover back on, etc etc - might be a tall order if you are not into DIY taht deep.

Yeah was advised the same. Will be checking with PitStop for a regular ATF change and then see how it goes. If things persist then will take up Miniace's advice about contacting a AT expert.

BTW can anyone comment on which is the best place to service/tune up - Auto Miraj/ PitStop/ Agents/ or any other place in Colombo

HardHat · May 12, 2009

VVTi said:
HardHat, at whcih point will you be replacing the SlushBox? Will you be taking it out after you clean the filter or before?

I'd usually do it after having a couple of pints of beer and some s*x

Edited May 12, 2009 by HardHat

HardHat · May 12, 2009

Rebel,

yours being a passenger car most probably has a sealed, unserviceable metal box (the so called 'slush box') containing a fine steel mesh (aka the 'filter'). This is located inside the gearbox towards the bottom of it, and removal of the gear box sump will be needed to reach this unit. You cannot see the mesh or how clogged the unit is, unless you cut it up (i.e. destroy).

While this can be cleaned somewhat by blowing high pressure air at the reverse direction to the oil flow, this may not be that effective if the device is clogged with a lot of particles and gunk. I'm not sure whether using any liquid like kerosine oil or diesel is recomended for cleaning the devise, ask your mechanic

I suggest you check the availability of the part and the price as well before removing the sump. If the price is not prohibitively high, best would be to replace the unit as opposed to trying to clean the existing one.

I've heard that certain larger vehicles like trucks and large SUVs come with serviceable units, which can be taken apart and cleaned. This may not be the case for a pasenger car though

Edited May 12, 2009 by HardHat

Rebel · May 12, 2009

@HardHat.

Thanks for the info. As per VVTI's advice I called PitStop and inquired on a full ATF change. Gonna go get it done first and then check whether the problem persists. As of today it has decreased by a BIG percentage. So am seriously wondering whether it is something serious or just a case of the AT warning me to get a fluid change as it hasn't been done in quite a while!(the A*W dude said it looks like more than 60K kms)

Thanks all for the advice. I intend to follow: unless you suggest I get the slush box/ filters checked first

1. ATF change at PitStop. Cost Rs7,000- (pls advice if A*W is a better option)

2. If problem doesn't stop completely - MiniAce's contact, Mr Hemachangdra, asked me to come in for a test drive and check up

Thanks again for all the advice and info and help!