Can't downshift

[BPD]

Hi All,

Was out yesterday and was having an issue changing gear. I could go up through the gears without an issue but couldn't go down through them. If I just slowed down then it would automatically go down the gears but only at the point the car was struggling to stay running. At one point it also selected neutral while I was just driving along at about 50mph.

The car, 2006 Gallardo Spyder, had a major service and a new clutch fitted a few months ago. Any thoughts on what could be causing it?

Cheers
Liam

[70proof]

could be a problem with the gear actuator... one of the pipes could be loose.

[BPD]

70proof said:

could be a problem with the gear actuator... one of the pipes could be loose.

Thanks for the reply. I shall try to have a look tonight.

[JMP86]

It may also be a failure in the paddle assembly, there was one in at my Indy last time I had my car serviced, have your garage plug it in to their diagnostics and they should be able to see if the car is picking up the signal from the paddle when used.

[BPD]

JMP86 said:

It may also be a failure in the paddle assembly, there was one in at my Indy last time I had my car serviced, have your garage plug it in to their diagnostics and they should be able to see if the car is picking up the signal from the paddle when used.

I did think it could be a sensor so that will be second on my list to check.

[sa_20v]

70proof said:

could be a problem with the gear actuator... one of the pipes could be loose.

I agree, it is a reasonably common problem that the actuator itself fails - if so I would ask around to see if these are being reconditioned as they are not cheap new.

[BPD]

sa_20v said:

I agree, it is a reasonably common problem that the actuator itself fails - if so I would ask around to see if these are being reconditioned as they are not cheap new.

Doing some searches in Google actually brought up the thread I started on here in 2010 when the actuator had failed on it, I had completely forgotten it had failed before. Just hoping that it might be something simple causing it.

[GT Two]

BPD said:

sa_20v said:

I agree, it is a reasonably common problem that the actuator itself fails - if so I would ask around to see if these are being reconditioned as they are not cheap new.

Doing some searches in Google actually brought up the thread I started on here in 2010 when the actuator had failed on it, I had completely forgotten it had failed before. Just hoping that it might be something simple causing it.

There was a thread on Lambo talk that a guy had received prices for an actuator for 4800 canadian dollars which is about 2.5k sterling.

Might pay to look abroad if you need one. Good luck and post up how you get on.

[sa_20v]

BPD said:

Doing some searches in Google actually brought up the thread I started on here in 2010 when the actuator had failed on it, I had completely forgotten it had failed before. Just hoping that it might be something simple causing it.

I've heard of another which had successive failures and was previously told this is a part long-term owners should budget for. However, I hope it's something simple like 70proof stated.

[Cerberaherts]

They modified the actuator post 2007. Later ones do still fail though. Normal indicators are falling out of gear and being unable to select second/third when hot. It's very often misdiagnosed as clutch wear, which produces the same symptoms, but actuator faults rarely cause error codes until they are totally shot so often overlooked. Looking at the system pressure while changing gear shows huge pressure drops caused by internal leakage. However, it may be just a worn position sensor or paddle switch issue. You won't know until it gets hooked up to the Lara...

[V10 BAT]

70proof said:

could be a problem with the gear actuator... one of the pipes could be loose.

Hi mate , yeah, also have heard the hoses can burst due to heat ,bit like the power steering hoses.

OP have a quick look under the car .

Cheers and hope it's something simple mate .

[Pau1]

The fact that the car can change down gear by itself is a good sign. Hopefully it's just the eGear micro switch for the left paddle.

[BPD]

Thanks for all of the replies. I've just booked in it at the beginning of next month as can't see anything obvious. I will post an update with the diagnosis.

[BPD]

Hi everyone.

Just remembered I hadn't updated this. When it went to the dealer the car was working perfectly fine so they said there was nothing wrong with it. A couple of weeks later I could only get reverse. I had it recovered to the dealer and when it got there it was working fine again. They kept the car and the next day it had the same issue. They replaced the paddle shift and it now works perfectly.

Thanks again for the replies.

Liam

[Balthazar]

TCU Reset. Hold both paddles towards yourself for 20 seconds and hear a beep.

[ChrisFitz]

just can't beat a manual...