Less than a month and its had abuse !

[Paulpen]

Got the Surf and had it under two weeks and the snow hit

Coming down what should have been a shut M5 last night in rwd on big tyres and seemed very stable (compared to what I was expecting).

Then got a bit more confident so went out for a few hours around all the well snowed in untouched lanes some of which mush have been up to 50 degrees at some points.

Must admit the Toyota was awesome wether it be going up or down. No hint of getting stuck at all and good in normal 4wd and in low transfer box with low autobox.

Had the gearbox temp warning light on at one point so stopped and it went out after 30 seconds - is this something I should be concerned about or did I do the right thing ?. Im thinking it came on due to lots of steep hills and engine braking with little airflow over the radiators ?

So in summary - I love my Surf and its more capable than both my old Discoveries I think

[yoshie]

The warning light is a clue you have an issue. Even with extreme off road use I never had a box temp issue on any surf I have owned. Given it was ###### cold out I would be even more concerned.

[Paulpen]

It did seem ok aqfter the hard working part and was ok for an hour after that.

Ill check the level and condition tomorrow and see what I find there

[Apache]

I had it happen once. Burnt ATF seemed to be the problem (or the outcome!)

Once I'd changed the ATF it was fine.

[night trunker]

Where are to in Somerset

Hi Paul, where abouts in Somerset are you? I also live there, near Glasto. Was snowing heavily in Shepton Mallet Tuesday evening when I went to Argos to grab a couple of new catalogues.
Stewart.

[TeaMonsta]

Glad you managed to get your hands on one, Paul. It's great being able to conquer all the stuff a 2WD wouldn't cope with. Had mine out in the snow the other night. Very capable, and great fun.

(By the way, have you posted photos of your new Surf?)

[Paulpen]

Think im just going to change the ATF at the weekend then try and get hold of a new filter for it and change the fluid again when I do the filter so its had a good flush

Im down in Taunton so had to make to most of the snow as no lanes near me

Ive not yet done photos or anything yet as with me changing car and the mrs changing car and the snow and work its been rather hetic lol

[shokenore]

Think im just going to change the ATF at the weekend then try and get hold of a new filter for it and change the fluid again when I do the filter so its had a good flush

Im down in Taunton so had to make to most of the snow as no lanes near me

Ive not yet done photos or anything yet as with me changing car and the mrs changing car and the snow and work its been rather hetic lol

The auto box filter is a fine gauze on the pick up in the auto box sump.
You have to drop the auto box sump to get to it.

As Yoshie and Apache have already mentioned you would be wise to check the level and the condition of the fluid.
Red is good Brown or Black is bad and Pink and frothy is very bad.

Flush and refill is a good idea.
Have a look in the "search this site" box for some pointers on ATF fluid and level checking.

[Paulpen]

Had a bit of an attack on the truck today by changing a few things including :

Rear diff oil
Transfer box oil
Prop shaft grease
Front diff oil
Auto box oil
Engine oil and filter
Front brake calipers and pads
Headlamp bulbs


Diff oils and auto box oils came out rather dirty and thick so they needed doing

Going to bleed the brakes again next week as still not as firm as I would like although maybe I need to adjust the drums to help with this ?

All in all a productive day