Automatic Gearbox won't change to top gear when hot

[johnbryden22]

I have a 1997 MK5 LWB Auto. I knew the gearbox was going so had another box put in yesterday. I was told that it had done about 55,000 miles and oIn a long journey today it was fine until about 3 hrs in when it stopped changing up to high gear. This was a problem with my old box. I can change up manually (mostly) and when the engine is cool it changes with no problem. I also don't seem to have the kick down. Does anyone have any ideas as to the cause, I have checked the oil when hot after all the various gear positions.
Anybody got any ideas?

[AndyG]

Who fitted the box
Has the kickdown cable been adjusted correctly
Did it have a new filter and oil

[johnbryden22]

The man I bought the box off fitted it with his mechanic friend.
Don't know about the cable or filter or oil and as I have some mobility issues I have to trust that these things have been done but will check. What do I look for with regard to the kickdown cable?
Regards

[AndyG]

Check that there is enough perceptible slack on the cable NOT to be pulling on the lever

If you pull on the cable and allow it to "snap" back, you should be able to hear the lever click back to it's normal position

Or move the lever directly and see (feel) it travels back to it's stop position



What colour is the oil

[johnbryden22]

Sorry for the delay in responding - I'm now in Deauville, France with Transit and family.
I've narrowed down the problem. When the engine is cold I can change up through the gears with no difficulty, however when the engine is hot it will not change into 4/overdrive but if I put my foot hard to the floor and then ease off slightly it goes into 4/overdrive. Is this a control box problem or a kickdown cable adjustment? Can you advise?
Am using wifi in cafes to check my emails etc periodically hence the delays in responding and will be driving home via Calais on Monday morning.
Regards

[AndyG]

What colour is the oil

[johnbryden22]

It's a replacement gearbox and the oil is new and pink. Have also checked that the level is correct.

[AndyG]

Incorrect oil/overheating

O/D band out of adjustment

Pressure solenoid filter needs cleaning

Sticky governor

Sticky valve/s in valve block

[johnbryden22]

Thanks very much, will start with the oil and filter.
Regards

[madbri]

Sorry for the delay in responding - I'm now in Deauville, France with Transit and family.
I've narrowed down the problem. When the engine is cold I can change up through the gears with no difficulty, however when the engine is hot it will not change into 4/overdrive but if I put my foot hard to the floor and then ease off slightly it goes into 4/overdrive. Is this a control box problem or a kickdown cable adjustment? Can you advise?
Am using wifi in cafes to check my emails etc periodically hence the delays in responding and will be driving home via Calais on Monday morning.
Regards

maybe ask 4 1 of the auto guys if u can call in if there on your route after cala is

[johnbryden22]

Hi
Managed to get back to UK and am overnjghting in Baldock Services on A1M.
Only thing I can check myself is the oil, which I've done.
Now don't have any power in D and am limping along in 3.
Had enough now, will be changing to a manual box and selling it
Thanks for all the advice, it's nice to have support out there in Transit land.
Regards

[AndyG]

Is the red engine light on in the dash

[johnbryden22]

Hi, here's an update.
Took the van back to the guy who recently fitted the replacement auto gearbox in Durham and he changed it for a manual box. Drove back home to Glasgow. It's noisy, no speedo and no reversing lights but it's going well. Apparently I need an electronic drive to fix the speedo although it appears that the wiring is there and I just need the plug but have no idea about the reversing lights. I am so pleased to be properly mobile again
Can anyone offer any advice on my latest little hiccups? I am now determined to restore my van to it's former glory!
Regards

[man-and-van]

HI ANDY G !!.I have the same problem the red light is on .the dashboard one ..check engine light and is apparently in limping mode ...I did all the servicing and everything hope is fine ..Could you help me to reset the red light and to take this out of limping mode ?Regards

[knobby1]

HI ANDY G !!.I have the same problem the red light is on .the dashboard one ..check engine light and is apparently in limping mode ...I did all the servicing and everything hope is fine ..Could you help me to reset the red light and to take this out of limping mode ?Regards

Umm...you do realize the last post in this thread is ~5-1/2 years old now...?? AndyG is still fairly active though..!

Lord Knobrot