Sticking gears - and fault.

[Brunty]

The last couple of times I've taken the VR4 out I've noticed what I would describe as the clutch 'slipping', unfortunately I've the tiptronic box. Symptoms are as follow:


Select D to pull away, the car doesn't react to the throttle then suddenly lurches forward
Stationary in D and the car has occassionally started to roll backwards on an incline
In 1 at low speed, car doesn't respond to the throttle, then lurches up into 2


This has only happened on a couple of occassions, and only when the car is cold - less than 5 minutes driving. I had decide that this may be simply resolved by a service/change of fluids.

However, today was much more concerning - having driven for over 20 minutes when stopping at a roundabout the gears luched once more as I attempted to pull away but this time the N light started flashing and the gearbox remained in 3 (wouldn't change under throttle, or in tip mode). I made it to my destination, before stopping and restarting the car - gearbox was fine, as they were for the trip home. Next time the car moves it will be heading to a garage for a professional to have a look at it.

Does anyone have any idea what might be causing these problems....further can anyone recommend someone in/around Birmingham who know what's what when it comes to auto VR4?

Thanks in advance

Steve

[psbarham]

just off the top of my head try checking the atf level and or the electrical connections as it might be something silly

[Nick VR4]

These are based in Dudley

http://www.xtreme-uk.net/default.asp

[Jimbo]

These are based in Dudley

http://www.xtreme-uk.net/default.asp


Oh my good god, no, don't even think about it. Only if you've got a warranty with them, and even then think twice. They've admitted to me they know absoutely bu66er all about auto boxes, let alone the INVECS-II.

Mine's been sent off to a local specialist, they didn't even attempt to look at it themselves, and they don't know how to flush the ATF in full, either....although they are very proficiant at changing the sump contents.

(Where the hell are the smileys, I'd have used at least 20 of them by now).

Brunty...sounds to me like your ATF fluid is wasted, that would be my first guess. Flashing N light means it's overheated, but only if it flashes twice per second...if it flashes once per second then it's more severe.

Clunky changes, flashing N light - I desperately hope your don't get the problems I've had, so it's got to be worth a full ATF flush ASAP.

Jim

[Louis]

Your box is in safe mode, it protects itself from full use until a problem is resolved, If you go to your local mitsy dealer, they will stick their computer on it and it will let them know what is wrong. The gearbox has 3 sensors on it if any one of these is malfunctioning your box will go into safe mode , if you unplug one of these sensors your box will go into safe mode, so don't panic too much just yet. I have been told that the sensor on top of the box is the one that usually malfunctions, costs about 100quid fitted by mitsy, but if you go to them they can read what the car is saying, cheers Louis

[Nick Mann]

I did an ATF change yesterday, including flushing through the system. The first couple of changes were very as you described - nothing then lurching. I kept checking the level and topping it up, it now works better than ever. The dipstick is down between the battery and air box, see if the oil is at the correct level and a clear red colour. psbarham could have it spot on, check the oil first!

[Kieran]

Yeah... So many autobox 'problems' are simply due to knackered ATF. It doesn't help that the Mitsubishi ATF change interval is so bloody long!

I repeat the advice above. Check the ATF level and it's colour. It should be a nice clear red. Dark, reddy brown is not good, crappy brown or black means change urgently!!!

[psbarham]

it may sound daft but if the atf is knackered and has caused the gearbox to send a false signal to the ecu then it may worth disconecting the battery for 24or more hrs once you've changed the oil this should reset the ecu back to factory spec

[Brunty]

ATF is black and low.

The car is now with Solihull Mitsubishi, who have found an oil leak coming from the gear box and are currently thinking it's either a cracked torque converted or failed oil seal. Both of which mean the removal of the gearbox and considerable labour.

Unfortunately to find out exactly which it is they need to remove the gearbox......expensive in it's own right. I'd allowed £10k for the purchase, spent £7,750 - if the torque converter needs replacing I can say goodbye to my 'saving'. :sad3:

If anyone can offer their experiences, thoughts, words of comfort I'd be grateful.

Steve

[SGHOM]

Mine is going into 'MT transmissions' soon to have the seal replaced. £300 + seal + vat.

[Nick Mann]

Dirty & low fluid? I'd change it and flush it and see. £40 for 10 litres dexron III should prove if its just a fluid problem.

[Brunty]

Interlec > that's pretty much what I've been quoted although there is a possibility it might be the torque converter which will obviously cost a lot more than the seal. Fingers crossed.

Nick > When I say low I mean really low! The guy at the garage was surprised I hadn't noticed any fluid around and under the car where I park.

They did suggest I could see how I go by checking and topping up the ATF weekly, but it would be on my mind that the fault was still present and could worsen anytime. Once we know exactly where the problem lies I might be able to make a warranty claim, we'll see. Peace of mind wins over pieces of eight this time.

Steve :sad3:

[Brunty]

The garage have just called, and everything doesn't seem too bad...

Faced with a potential bill of £400+ (+++) I immediately decided on the worst case scenario, and gave them instruction to get the engine out, have a look at the gearbox and decide what course of action needs to be taken to cure the leak.

The garage were more methodical however and have steam cleaned the engine, flushed and refilled the ATF, taken the car for a spin and inspected it again. This time it shows no sign of a leak.

So for something less than £100 I'll be getting the car back tomorrow, steam cleaned engine, fresh ATF and a quick once over from the Mitsubishi mechanic. I'll return it next week for another inspection......here's hoping all's well then.

Further update once the next inspection is completed.....unless I break down before then!

Steve

[pezza]

Fingers crossed m8,

Good luck....

[Jimbo]

That's good news Steve, glad to hear.

I'm got some news too....mine is also ready for collection tomorrow. Doubt I'll sleep much tonight, it'll be like collecting it for the first time all over again (it's been five weeks since it went "bang"!)

[Brunty]

.... so far, so good. Trip to London at the weekend should {ahem} flush out any problems. Good luck with yours Jimbo.

Steve

[Brunty]

Further update once the next inspection is completed.....unless I break down before then!

:embarasse

Well I didn't break down...but the gearbox is definately leaking. So she's back into the garage next week for them to get the engine out and replace something in the gearbox. Here's hoping it's just the seal.

I'm on holiday soon, so I won't miss the car, but I will miss the several hundred pounds it'll cost me to fix.

Steve

[Polabear]

ATF is black and low.

The car is now with Solihull Mitsubishi, who have found an oil leak coming from the gear box and are currently thinking it's either a cracked torque converted or failed oil seal. Both of which mean the removal of the gearbox and considerable labour.

Unfortunately to find out exactly which it is they need to remove the gearbox......expensive in it's own right. I'd allowed £10k for the purchase, spent £7,750 - if the torque converter needs replacing I can say goodbye to my 'saving'. :sad3:

If anyone can offer their experiences, thoughts, words of comfort I'd be grateful.

Steve


Sounds like its the old autobox favorite, converter/front pump oil seal in its self not a hugely expensive job, so don't be too despondant ...unless they show you the converter in bits, but unlikely..... :thumbsup: