Autobox woes...please help :(

[roverbarmy]

Originally Posted by SD1too

A lot Mike, I would say. In my experience the specialist trade has only one treatment for automatic transmissions: recondition them and relieve the customer of something like £1,700. As an alternative, this club is providing a unique and valuable service to those with DIY skills.

Simon

My experience with auto boxes goes back to those from the 1970/80's. They were mainly mechanical in operation and only seemed to fail if the transmission fluid became dirty or leaked. The brake bands could be adjusted then but it seems that the modern auto box has gone the way of the modern engine (ECU says Yes - or No!). If you cleaned the filters, changed the fluid and kept an eye open for any leaks, they were extremely reliable in my experience.
Mike

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

My experience with auto boxes goes back to those from the 1970/80's. They were mainly mechanical in operation and only seemed to fail if the transmission fluid became dirty or leaked.

Hi Mike,

Yes, I've got one of those in my SD1; a GM 180 with 3 speeds (well you don't need any more than that with the Rover V8 engine's smooth and extensive torque delivery). It's dripped fluid ever since I've had the car but has never failed, and you're right, it's completely mechanical.

To be fair to the JATCo though, the reverse piston problem was an unforseen defect which was addressed and the solenoid trouble is to be expected. Electrics and the hostile automotive environment don't mix terribly well do they. And the ECU controlled change quality is a huge improvement over the mechanical system.

Simon