ECU/Gearbox problem?

[petethechippy]

I have a 1992 surf.
This problem has happened a couple of times before and then gone back to normal. Now It remains a problem.

The car goes into Dive, but seems to pull away in 2nd and remain in 2nd.
I believe this may be a "safety mode"?
Mechanically the car appears very good. I went to 2 gearbox specialist.
The first one could not make a reading on the Diagnostics and just said he could strip the gearbox etc. I thought he was a bit shady.

The secone garage seemed to know what they were doing. He drove the car and said it is not the gearbox mechanics because the car has done it before and also it doesnt feel like its mechanical. He thinks its the ECU but they dont have the specific connection for the Diagnostics plug.

I need to find someone who knows how to fix it. Anyone know of a place around South London/Surrey?? I love this truck and right now Im having to drive an old Vauxhall Cavalier to work which is about to die.

Thanks
Pete

[BUSHWHACKER]

9 out of 10 problems with auto transmissions is to do with the fluid.
Did either of the garages check it's condition or level?

It should be a deep red colour and the level should be in the 'Hot' area on the dipstick after a drive, and the level is checked with the engine running.

Any mechanical or electrical faults will be indicated by a flashing O/D light on the dash.

[TonyN]

Connect TE1 and E1 together in the Diag box, then turn the ignition on and count the flashes of the O/D light.

My guess is you'll find code 62, the 1st gear solonoid has failed.

Easy to check the gearbox mechaniacally, on the pass side, half way back is a black 3 pin plug, unplug this, then go out for a drive. You'll have to shift every gearchange manually, but you'll prove 1st is OK. Manually shifting you'll have L, 2nd and O/D. If it all works, then its normally the solonoids, very rarly the ECU.

[petethechippy]

Thanks,
Well it would be handy if it was just the fluid level but the level appears to be high although it is not red, its more black. Would changing this oil solve the problem? Im not very good with cars so I dont even know how to do this.
The O/D light doesnt flash but the turbo light stays on when idle. Anymore ideas?

[BUSHWHACKER]

If the fluid is black, then it's burnt and will no longer be doing it's job.

It's needs replacing ASAP! This photo shows where the drain plug for the transmission is.....(this is a Lexus trans, but they are the same as the Surf's)




Once all the fluid has drained, check the condition of the washer, re-new if necessary, and re-fit bolt.

Re-fill with new fluid, Dexron III, through the orange dipstick tube, you'll need a small funnel to make it easier or just use the pull out tube on the bottle of fluid. Re-fill with the same amount that came out, start engine and cycle through all the gear positions a few times and return the lever to 'P' and check fluid level, top up if requiered.




p.s. is yours a 2.4 or 3 litre engine?

[petethechippy]

its 2.4

[petethechippy]

just been told that if I disconnect the batteries then the ECU may go back to its original setting and problem may be solved? (providing it is an ECU problem)
So I'll try that now, and otherwise I'll change the fluid next weekend when I have time. If it still wont co-operate I think I will put it on E-bay. Unless anyone here would make me an offer. Its a nice looking truck.

[stormforce]

it will depend on how much your gonna be asking for it

[TonyN]

So I'll try that now, and otherwise I'll change the fluid next weekend when I have time. If it still wont co-operate I think I will put it on E-bay. Unless anyone here would make me an offer. Its a nice looking truck.

Seems a bit silly, do the fault codes, see what it says, you might be throwing away a perfectly good truck for the sake of a £80 gear soloniod.

[petethechippy]

it will depend on how much your gonna be asking for it

a grand

[plumb bob]

Got any piccy's??

[petethechippy]

give me 2 minutes

[petethechippy]

file is too big for the website?? whats you email address?