Autobox kickdown probs

[guss300]

Got a 325i 1991 with autobox. Had all oils and filter replaced before xmas and has been running fine.

The other day I stripped out interior centre console etc to run amp cables. Ran ok after that and then noticed I had no kickdown. Checked gearbox oil level and is ok. Oil is new as changed at xmas.

Also feels like it's not changing gears and the switch to change to sports etc doesn't seem to be doing anything.

All help.much appreciated.

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

EH box? Check the wire hasn't come off of the kickdown switch.

[guss300]

Where is the kickdown switch? Also feels like not changing gears

[Brianmoooore]

Kickdown switch is under the throttle pedal. Replaces the stop on other models.
You could also remove the electrical plug from the side of the gearbox and give the pins a dose of aerosol contact cleaner.

[guss300]

Will give this a go. There is a plastic grille under car on gearbox which has some oil on it possibly from a leak if that could be an issue.

Thanks

[guss300]

Checked pins on kickdown switch and they look to be firmly in place. Also sprayed plug in side of gearbox and still no joy

[Brianmoooore]

The other day I stripped out interior centre console etc to run amp cables.

Sure the plug is on the switch properly here?

[guss300]

Yes I checked that last night. Took it for a drive and still no kickdown. Also feels like it's not changing gears.

And when you put it into reverse it really jerks in. When putting into drive its goes in fine

[Brianmoooore]

And when you put it into reverse it really jerks in.

Don't like the sound of this, and apart from double checking the fluid level with the engine running and the oil up to running temperature, I'm running out of suggestions.
Time to take the car to an experienced auto gearbox engineer for an opinion, perhaps?

[guss300]

Can anyone recommend anyone good in the south I'm based in Oxford. Or any zoner nearby who could help


Thanks

[mark_i]

before you go to the shop , I would first check the following:

1/ with ignition off, switch the centre console to S mode. ignition on and start engine. switch should click back to normal position.

2/ you've checked the connection in centre console. How about the large fat connector for the EH ECU in the boot? remove, clean pins and reseat.
I have had these get corroded after a cold, wet winter.

[guss300]

Thanks mark on which side would this be in a convertible and what does it look like

[mark_i]

not sure about a soft-top.
on a 2-door and 4-door hard top, EH ECU was in the boot above the radio antenna motor, next to the CHECK module under the rear shelf/

[guss300]

Ok thanks will have a dig around and see if I can find it

[mark_i]

OK. check behind the boot side carpets.
one more observation>
does the orange EH tell-tale in the cluster illuminate at ignition on and then go out when the engine is running ?

[guss300]

Yes all lights go off when started

[guss300]

Only orange light is abs light when ignition is on

[guss300]

Just running it upto temp now to re check gearbox oil.

[mark_i]

in that case we need to find out why the EH light is not working.
either the bulb is blown, a wiring problem or the EH ECU is the problem

[guss300]

I got it upto temp and checked oil and it was fine. Did the check you said by putting into S and turning on ignition and it flicked over to E.

Took it for a spin and it's all running back to normal.

But the orange light is still not working when ignition on.

[mark_i]

Good result.
possibly the bulb in the cluster needs replacing.
can be done by dropping the kick panel and using a mirror look for the connector behind the cluster. it is a push fit unlike the handbrake and fog lights etc which are bayonet.
Definitely get the light working in case you have this shifting problem again in the future.

[guss300]

Ok cheers bud many thanks for your help. Much appreciated

[Brianmoooore]

I can confirm that the light is supposed to come on with ignition and go out when the engine is started. If the (working) light comes on while you are driving, the transmission should default to 3rd gear.
How long have you had this car? Could it be a recurrence of an intermittent fault that occasionally occurred before you had the car, and was 'cured' by removing the lamp?

[guss300]

I bought the car in August last year and have only had the problem

[guss300]

I bought the car in August last year and have only had the problem

[Brianmoooore]

in that case we need to find out why the EH light is not working.
either the bulb is blown, a wiring problem or the EH ECU is the problem

Or the bulb has been deliberately removed.

[guss300]

Will check bulb in cluster. Also I think it may have been stuck in 3rd gear as the gears weren't changing

[mark_i]

back in the 1980s, BMW referred to that as Limp mode.
Not sure if they could get away with that in todays soft and fluffy PC world.

will be of interest to all EH auto operators as to what you discover.

[guss300]

How do you add pics to the thread?

[Brianmoooore]

How do you add pics to the thread?

viewforum.php?f=114

[guss300]

Thanks brian

[guss300]

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[guss300]

Took cluster out and the eh conection has a spade connector on back of it. I have taken pics of all other wires in dash as nothing was connected there.

The green wire was connected for obc dont know what others are for.

[guss300]

The only ones with spade type connectors are the red/black and brown wires

[Brianmoooore]

That's the wires for the warning lamp, but your lampholder is missing a terminal.