Grabby gear engagement

[Orinoco]

1996 3.0 L auto (KZN185)

When engaging forward or reverse gears whilst stationary, the vehicle has always been a bit "grabby", i.e. it gives a small lurch most times. I've had it nearly 3 years and it's always done it to some degree anyway.

What might this indicate? New clutch? New box?

Grateful for any light shed on this.

Thanks

[Growler]

Auto or manual box ?

[Sylux]

Auto or manual box ?

Auto...first line of his post

[Growler]

Note to self : Put glasses on when reading posts on the phone

Although from my experience all auto's do snatch a little when put in gear as the slack in the drive line is taken up.

[Orinoco]

That's reassuring - thank you. It was really my mechanic that put a question mark over this when I took it in for something else. If it's normal then not much to worry about.

Re: the glasses, yeah I'm the same. Blind ol' bugger without them.

[andyverran]

hi,

If its going straight in with no delay, you don't have to rev it up and it doesn't slip when driving, its likely fine (slip during drive will wear the bands and clutches, you'd likely notice blackening of the fluid and a change in it's smell).

torque converter, clutch and brake bands can be checked with a stall test. just don't do it for more than 10 seconds and let the car idle for a while afterwards. Torque converter slip gets the oil hot and you need to let it cool.

I'm not conversant with the spec the Surf should produce so check with someone who knows more than I do!!!

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-...-converter.htm

[BUSHWHACKER]

1996 3.0 L auto (KZN185)

When engaging forward or reverse gears whilst stationary, the vehicle has always been a bit "grabby", i.e. it gives a small lurch most times. I've had it nearly 3 years and it's always done it to some degree anyway.

What might this indicate? New clutch? New box?

Grateful for any light shed on this.

Thanks

Check the ATF level, (with engine running in case you didn't know) sounds like it could be low to me.

[Orinoco]

Check the ATF level, (with engine running in case you didn't know) sounds like it could be low to me.

Yes, this was something we covered and there was a slight improvement. Couldn't see any drop in the level recently, but if there were where might I look for seepage?

[andyverran]

What colour is the fluid?
Ever changed the oil and filter in the box?

I have had boxes that were slow to get a gear because they were a bit gummed up in the valve body, delayed the gear selection...

Though I wouldn't want to try cleaning that unless it was really catastrophically bad...which yours doesn't sound like it is...

[Orinoco]

Nice and clean, from memory. They changed it a while back. Not sure if they did the filter, but I will ask as it was during a full service. If not, then I think I'd get that done next time in.

[andyverran]

Nice and clean, from memory. They changed it a while back. Not sure if they did the filter, but I will ask as it was during a full service. If not, then I think I'd get that done next time in.

If you do get the filter done, try and take a look in the sump of the box for sediment, get a pic and dip your finger in, just for educational purposes, in a good box there will be minimal sediment and it will feel very fine and a tiny bit sticky (oil and ultra fine particles)....FYI: what's in the sump is also in the valve body.

Did the vehicle spend an extended time parked up before the gear selection delay was noticed?

I really don't think there's much wrong with your box, I just can't help but be nosey. Sorry ;-)

[BUSHWHACKER]

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthrea...light=strainer

[andyverran]

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthrea...light=strainer

Very interesting, good pics. Ta.

[Orinoco]

It was definitely acting oddly today, so I took it in for a look and the front prop shaft needs replacing.

Milners, Roughtrax and several others - no luck. can't see any on here either.

Anyone know where I might look for a KZN185 front prop please?

Thanks for the above - sorry not been on here last few days.

O

[Sparkie67]

Run it with the prop off. See if the problem goes away. Mine has a lot of play in the front diff which you can feel when in 4wd when selecting drive etc. why it has this amount of play I don't know.
Scrap yards should have a few.