RR Classic Gearbox
Discussion
Hi Folks
I have a 1995 classic and the gearbox has started holding 1st gear. It only happens first thing in the morning, as you pull away it will hold 1st all the way round to about 5000rpm. It only does this initially, once it's made the the initial shift at 5000 rpm it then changes fine.
Fluid is up to the right level and I'm planning to do a fluid & filter change but don't want to bother spending money on that if this is a sign of something more serious that means I'm going to have empty it all again!
Any thoughts?
Cheers
James
I have a 1995 classic and the gearbox has started holding 1st gear. It only happens first thing in the morning, as you pull away it will hold 1st all the way round to about 5000rpm. It only does this initially, once it's made the the initial shift at 5000 rpm it then changes fine.
Fluid is up to the right level and I'm planning to do a fluid & filter change but don't want to bother spending money on that if this is a sign of something more serious that means I'm going to have empty it all again!
Any thoughts?
Cheers
James
This is lifted from Ashcroft Transmissions Q+A clicky and can be found towards the bottom of their page.
Ashcroft Website said:
Q: I have a 4 speed ZF Auto and it sticks in first gear in the morning or when cold and is reluctant to change up from 1st gear. Once the gearbox has warmed up it shifts normally. Why?
A: The governor valve is sticking, which can be caused by contamination. i.e. clutch plates or other parts disintegrating. The fine debris finds its way past the filter and tends to accumulate in the governor, causing it to stick. A temporary solution is to remove and clean the governor. The problem will often recur as debris from damaged parts continues to build up in the governor. If the problem continues after cleaning the governor then it may be necessary it replace your Autobox.
We have noticed many customers reporting this fault starting a few days after an oil and filter change and after researching this using our experience and the expertise of others in the trade we have come to the conclusion that as ATF oil is a detergent type oil, when the oil is changed this will dislodge and stir up settled debris in the autobox which in turn jams the governor valve. In light of this although it sounds controversial it is debateable if changing the oil and filter is a good idea, some say if the box it going to fail it will fail if the oil is good or bad and their advice is leave it alone. I am still undecided but the truth is I get a lot of calls from customers thinking they are looking after the autobox by servicing it and a few days later this fault occurs.
A: The governor valve is sticking, which can be caused by contamination. i.e. clutch plates or other parts disintegrating. The fine debris finds its way past the filter and tends to accumulate in the governor, causing it to stick. A temporary solution is to remove and clean the governor. The problem will often recur as debris from damaged parts continues to build up in the governor. If the problem continues after cleaning the governor then it may be necessary it replace your Autobox.
We have noticed many customers reporting this fault starting a few days after an oil and filter change and after researching this using our experience and the expertise of others in the trade we have come to the conclusion that as ATF oil is a detergent type oil, when the oil is changed this will dislodge and stir up settled debris in the autobox which in turn jams the governor valve. In light of this although it sounds controversial it is debateable if changing the oil and filter is a good idea, some say if the box it going to fail it will fail if the oil is good or bad and their advice is leave it alone. I am still undecided but the truth is I get a lot of calls from customers thinking they are looking after the autobox by servicing it and a few days later this fault occurs.
Thanks, that's an interesting read! I'm guessing it occurs more when transmissions haven't had regular oil changes then all of a sudden a new owner, meaning well changes all the fluids (like I'm in the process of doing!) and ends up flushing out all the bits of crap! Sounds like I might need to be prepared for an autobox rebuild.
Check the level of the fluid before you do the change.
Measure the amount you drain. This will be a lot less than the capacity listed as a lot of fluid is retained in the torque converter - which can't be drained without removing it - so don't just pour in the quantity listed in the manuals!
The Britpart sump seal I found to be a little undersize & required a bit of judicious stretching.
Measure the amount you drain. This will be a lot less than the capacity listed as a lot of fluid is retained in the torque converter - which can't be drained without removing it - so don't just pour in the quantity listed in the manuals!
The Britpart sump seal I found to be a little undersize & required a bit of judicious stretching.
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