Auto box not moving up a gear

[mandi-moo]

My 1989 320i auto has a problem!

When I first use the car, to get it to move up to 2nd, I almost have to redline it (it's reaching at least 6000 revs), which isnt doing the engine much good. Then for the rest of the day its fine and doesnt do it again until its been stood until the end of the day or the next day.

Anyone got any ideas what it might be? I have cleaned up the kick down button underneath the accelerator and adjusted the kick down cable at the throttle body. Fluids are topped up and at the right level.

If anyone has any suggestions, please reply!!

[jamesh1977]

not %100 sure where it is on the bmw auto box but we had the same prob with a jag box and i cleaned the oil filter in the box and it sorted the problem i also changed the fluid at the same time which made a diffrence.
not a fan of autos ive got a baur 320i auto that ill be converting to manual so if your needing a box give me a pm

[jcjdavis1]

Hi I have a 320i auto and was having some probs after head changed.I took kick down cable off and it changed gears lovely,put cable back, gear change poor.After adjusting the throttle cable it has improved but still need slight adjustment.I have also done a complete ATF,strainer and gasket change.

[MONSPORT42]

Quickest way is to check the fluid (ATF). First it should be at the right level and second and perhaps most important, it should be a clear(sh) pink colour. If it's a muddy brown colour it's a sign of problems. Unless you're a well trained mechanic about the only thing you can do is change the filter/strainer and fluid as already mentioned. How many miles has the box done? With regular garage servicing my old four speed did about 180,000 and my switchable did about 195,000 before it needed changing.

[tari]

got the same problem but sometimes i have to warm up the car a bit before i can put it into 1st gear... lol

got the gasket and filter, going to change at next availible opportunity!!!

hopefully it will sort it!

[georgen]

My 1989 320i auto has a problem!

When I first use the car, to get it to move up to 2nd, I almost have to redline it (it's reaching at least 6000 revs), which isnt doing the engine much good. Then for the rest of the day its fine and doesnt do it again until its been stood until the end of the day or the next day.

Anyone got any ideas what it might be? I have cleaned up the kick down button underneath the accelerator and adjusted the kick down cable at the throttle body. Fluids are topped up and at the right level.

If anyone has any suggestions, please reply!!

I had this exact same problem on my 325i touring, and it turned out to be the autobox ECU that was at fault. On opening the ECU, it was corroded to buggery and needed a mega good clean. Refitted it and it was as good as new. On the touring, the ECU lives in the load bay by the wheel brace ( nearside ). Not sure where it is on the saloon though.....

[martauto]

My 1989 320i auto has a problem!

When I first use the car, to get it to move up to 2nd, I almost have to redline it (it's reaching at least 6000 revs), which isnt doing the engine much good. Then for the rest of the day its fine and doesnt do it again until its been stood until the end of the day or the next day.

Anyone got any ideas what it might be? I have cleaned up the kick down button underneath the accelerator and adjusted the kick down cable at the throttle body. Fluids are topped up and at the right level.

If anyone has any suggestions, please reply!!

The filter is inside the box, just drop the bottom plate and you will see it.
(assuming the fluid is drained first .lol)
Its worth a go for a few quid.

Mart.

[spiderrm]

I had the same problem on my 316i last year. It turned out to be the governor valve sticking. Not too difficult to repai; drain the box and remove the sump. Drop the exhaust, heat shield, prop shaft and the rear mounts. Remove the valve casing the pull the valve off the output shaft. Strip down and clean then reassemble with a new strainer and oil. Should be fine after this with good changes.

[heyskull]

Do all the autoboxes have an ECU?
My 316i locks into top at between 55 - 60 MPH
My daily 80 mile trip is on A roads at roughly that speed.
So you can feel it locking in and out.
Is there a way to make it lock in at lower speeds or is this just how it is set at the factory?

I have always been wary of slush boxes and only bought this one because it was a bargain.
But the fluid is clean and it doesn't smell of burning. These were always things I was told to look for in automatics.

SC

[MONSPORT42]

I am pretty certain that only EH switchable boxes on Sports and later tourings had separate ECUs. My old late model 323i four speed definitely didn't have one.

[Jay07]

Hi Mate!

I drive a 3.20i Auto and my car did exactly what you described!

The problem began when i first bought the car the gear change was slightly heavy but there was always a thud when dropping back into first. I got use to it but last year i started getting the same prob as you... i had to rev to ridiculous levels to get it to change to second and then 1 day on an airport run i couldnt go into top gear! i did all the things above but at the end of the day it was only resolved by have the gear box reconditioned and getting the torque converter done too.

Hasnt done it since and now thw gear change from top to bottom is amazing in comparism! it was a big bill for me but worth it in the end...

[martauto]

Do all the autoboxes have an ECU?
My 316i locks into top at between 55 - 60 MPH
My daily 80 mile trip is on A roads at roughly that speed.
So you can feel it locking in and out.
Is there a way to make it lock in at lower speeds or is this just how it is set at the factory?

I have always been wary of slush boxes and only bought this one because it was a bargain.
But the fluid is clean and it doesn't smell of burning. These were always things I was told to look for in automatics.

SC

It all depends on how much weight is in the car, what speed you are doing, what incline you are at , Its not an exact science.

Driving an Auto is as good as you make it!

Mart.

[heyskull]

The car locks in at 55MPH Exactly!!!
It would be perfect if it locked into top at 50MPH as most of my journey to work is on A roads at just above 50 on average.

SC

[tari]

i serviced the gearbox with no success. the gear changes smoothed a bit but it still doesn't wana go into gear when first started???

really frustrating as i wana move onto my next car...

[tari]

does any one know if i would have an ECU for my auto gearbox as its a 320i se non switchable auto!!!

cheers

[tari]

bump

[Chris-W]

Have a look in the boot - it would be on the LHS behind a removable rigid carpeted cover.

[Cabrio]

could be senders in the box..but there again ignore that as you say its non switchable

[tari]

I've checked and don't have this.

is there anything else that would cause this problem?

Cheers Tee

[Hath]

with ym old auto box.. i had some toruble some of whihc u named as well as it revving itself and not actually doing anything :S found that it needed some fluid..

[tari]

I've serviced my gearbox (with the right amount of fluid) and it still does the same....