autobox governor cleaning

[Martin323i]

My autobox started sticking in 1st while cold a few months ago. Only after I reach +- 50km/h (usually on a downhill, as I dont want to rev the engine too high when cold) does it shift up and from there it's fine while engine is warm.

I've changed the fluid - no improvement.

I think there's probably something wrong with the governor. I'd like to get in there and take a look. Does anyone know how to do it. I presume the gearbox will have to come out?

Please help. Having the box looked at by a specialist will cost a bunch I'm sure.

[E30BeemerLad]

Dude, my old fella is an auto box specialist and I have copied & pasted your query to him on an email, it may be a couple of days, but hopefully I should be able to get you a response and some tips/ advice.

Is it the 4 speed switchable auto?

[E30BeemerLad]

just an afterthought, but if you have a workshop manual, it may be worth chacking the adjustment of the selector cables etc and the kickdown switch, but if you want to hold fire, I will see what my old man says.

[Martin323i]

Thanx man,

It's a non switchable 4sp ZF 4HP22.

I have a bentley, so I'll have a look at the cable adjustments tonight.

[MONSPORT42]

Filter may be dirty. A few quid from the dealer and accessible without gearbox removal. The non-switchable boxes usually go on forever. I did 260,000 miles on mine and it was still going strong on the way to the scrappie. My switchable one only made 180,000 before going terminal.
What colour was your fluid before you changed it? Brown and dirty is usually a sign of expensive trouble. It should always be pink/red and clear.

[Hyperion]

i think i have the non switchable autobox, its got 4 gears, but how can one tell.

[Martin323i]

I'll give the filter change a go.

The fluid was quite dirty - brownish red, but no burnt smell

Hyperion, I think the switchable ones have a switch next to selector lever. Probably for a sport mode. Non switchables like mine only have the lever.

Please someone correct me if i'm wrong.

[MONSPORT42]

Hyperion, switchable boxes have a round switch on the centre consul next to the gear selector. It has three settings - E for economy, normal driving - S for sport which holds revs for later changes and won't allow a change up to fourth - and 321 which holds the gear in the one selected and is meant for icy conditions. They are also governed by their own ECU located in the boot.

[E30BeemerLad]

sorry for the delay fella, but here is the copied and pasted response from my old man about your gearbox problems, gives a couple of ideas anyway

"hi lee, sounds like too much pressure due to either sticking or frayed kick down cable, sticking pressure valve or sticking governor. the governor can b accessed with box in car, remove propshaft at box end, take of flange, remove box mounting, undo bolts holding tailhousing & remove, governor is on output shaft usually held by circlips & locating ball. hope this helps matey."

Hope this helps

[Martin323i]

Thanx E30BeemerLad,

That's exactly what I wanted to know and it's also the answer i hoped for. So it shouldn't be too difficult to open it up - GREAT

I adjusted the kickdown cable last night as it was WAY OFF. But this morning... same old same old.

I did get my gasket, filter and o-ring from BMW dealer today, so I'll get that changed and hope for the best.

Thanx again m8

[chu346]

S for sport which holds revs for later changes and won't allow a change up to fourth

It does when you get to 120mph, or was it 130mph!

[chu346]

S for sport which holds revs for later changes and won't allow a change up to fourth

It does when you get to 120mph, or was it 130mph!

[MONSPORT42]

Hi Chu, enjoying your 2.7 then! Never had that happen to me. Have seen 135 on the speedo in sport mode third (I know speedo's probably miles out) without it changing up. Now I am going to have to go out and test it again! Shame

[Martin323i]

Right, I changed the fluid and filter yesterday evening... bitch of a job:

Someone beat me to it and stripped one of the torx screws.

But nevertheless it's done. The magnets were covered in a black sludge.
The filter didn't look too bad though.

This morning: Still sticking in 1st until I get the car to 50km/h.

Guess I'm gonna have to open up the rear to get to that governor.

Something I'd like to know from you guys... I saw two electrical wires running in the box, next to the valve body. I thougt these non switchbles had no electronics. Am I wrong?

When adjusting the kickdown switch a few nights ago, I saw that it was indeed a switch with one wire running from it (brown/purple i think). I was under the impression the kickdown switch on non switchble boxes was just a stopper.

What are these wires for?

[Hyperion]

Thanks Martin323i and MONSPORT42. i have a non switchable one then.