autobox on a 320i cab

Sun Oct 16, 2011 11:22 am

having some trouible with wifes cabriolet,when cold it needs high revs to change gear for the first time,then its ok,or at least it was,now sometimes it refuses to change up, and when it does it will not change into top gear, would a fluid and filter change work or is it something more serious

Sun Oct 16, 2011 1:57 pm

Sounds like a failing governor. Does it improve as the box warms up?

Sun Oct 16, 2011 4:29 pm

the changing into top gear doesnt improve,I once managed to sort it by adjusting the kickdown cable(the setting of the small stop on the cable) but that does`nt seem to affect it anymore

Sun Oct 16, 2011 9:34 pm

Try disconnecting the kickdown cable. If it behaves, that's the problem.

Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:25 pm

just disconnected the kickdown cable,(unhooked it )took car 1 junction down motorway .............no difference 1st 2nd 3rd no `d` even tried it manually won`t change into top

Wed Oct 19, 2011 8:31 pm

If you remove dip stick wipe on a bit of white kitchen towel if it is a dark colour and smells burnt then it needs replacing, have you checked the level of the ATM?

Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:07 pm

By the time the oil is black and smelly, it's game over. Changing the oil won't achieve a lot.

A good used autobox beckons -at least they're not expensive.

Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:08 am

Quote: Hitler, for his faults, had the right idea / ^^ You seem to have a thing about black and smelly things. Maybe i should have said a darker shade with a hint of burnt automatic fluid. I would still change the fluid / filter before even thinking of another gearbox, also the fluid would then be at the correct level.