A4LD Automatic electronic gearbox 1997 Duetto motorhome

[Janek]

I bought my 1997 ford transit motorhome, which is automatic, and done around 41,000 miles, 2 months ago, all was fine until I went up a steep hill, put the accelerator to the floor, the gears changed down to low gear but then stayed there all the way up the hill, and then on the level the van did not seem to want to change up into third gear, the revs where going really high so I pulled into a car park and called the AA as I did not want to do any damage. It was dark and the aa man looked under the van while I changed the gears and he said there was a slight dripping of oil when I changed gears. Anyway, somehow I had a puncture while in the carpark, the guy changed the tyre but the spare wheel was not fit to drive on so was taken home on the back of the pickup.
I took the van to the local gearbox centre who said they could not get accurate readings as the van is old, said the gearbox seems fine, the oil is clean, and that the problem could either be from the electronic modulator or the electric sensor, both of which they cannot get hold of as no parts anymore. They cleaned the modulator which made no difference so I went to collect the van as they could do no more.
Now I do have a six month mechanical breakdown warranty but I suppose they will say it is an electrical fault
I did buy the van through a garage who was selling it for his friend but paid the friend directly although my receipt is from the garage, and he said he will try to help.
Anyone any ideas please?
The van will drive in first and second but not want to change up into third although it will do with very high revs. or if I change it manually, so poor van is no use.
Jane feeling really upset.

[ake]

AndyG is the man for this problem, he knows these boxes inside out

[Janek]

Oh thanks, who is Andyg and how can I contact him ? Jane

[Altransit]

I've emailed him for you, he doesn't always log on every day

[Wheelchair7]

Inbox my had a few auto vans

[Kedishen]

First question is likely to be, what colour is the gearbox oil / when was it last changed? Regardless of what the garage said, its best to check it yourself.

The dipstick in close to the starter, it should be a nice cherry red colour. If its browny red or even worse smells burnt, then its time for an oil change and for the bands to be adjusted.

As for the oil leak, take some pictures of where it is leaking from. Andy may enquire about this.

Inbox my had a few auto vans

Lol, guess you are on a smartphone? Inbox maybe can be Inlaws?

[Janek]

Thanks, will have a look.

Did you sort out your van in Portugal ?

[Janek]

What does the "inbox my ......." mean ?

[Kedishen]

Thanks, will have a look.

Did you sort out your van in Portugal ?

Yup van is running sweet. Will need to do the clearances soon as engine starting to tick a little bit, but otherwise no mechanical problems to speak of

[AndyG]

Hello Janek
I'm not really an expert, but I would first start with an oil level check and that's done with a warm engine, immediately after selecting all positions on the selector at least twice, pausing for a second in each one, ending in "P" and with the engine still running

Next I would get underneath and check the kickdown cable isn't pulling against the small lever from the side of the gearbox (passenger side right hand drive)
Check that this small lever isn't partially seized You should be able to move it easily with your hand and it should return under it's own spring pressure with a distinct click

This is the kickdown cable that pulls against said lever, that should have a small amount of slack

[Janek]

Thanks, garage found an electronic sensor complete with this cable but still have the problem so thinks May need an electronic modulator . Will have to look for one

[AndyG]

What is the red "check engine" light doing

[Janek]

Hi Andy the light stays on for a few seconds after the engine is started
Jane

[Janek]

Still not found out problem

[Janek]

Can anyone recommend a decent garage in Dorset Hampshire area ?