C70: C70 auto gearbox

[C70user]

Hi guys just would like to know how the auto gearboxes are on the c70's, i have a 2000 model and i hear a slight grind or rub(more a grind) during acceleration then the noise goes and sometimes on at a standstill e.g in traffic or at a set of traffic lights. In park or reverse their is no noise made at all.

Someone said it could need topping up with some gearbox oil or could it be a more serious problem.

Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers.

[capt jack]

The autoboxes on the 70 series cars are pretty good - robust and long-lived.

Keeping an eye on the level and state of the fluid is a good idea. Make sure you follow the procedure for checking and topping up exactly as per the car's handbook.

The fluid itself should be clear and red or red-brown, and have an 'oily' smell.

If the fluid is cloudy and dark, and smells 'burnt' then you have a problem that needs further investigation.

Can you be absolutely sure the noise is coming from the gearbox? Are there any symptoms of clumsy gear changes etc?

What's the history of the car - how many miles, and has the fluid ever been changed?

Cheers

Jack

[C70user]

Unfortunately i do not have the owners manual, and im usure were to look to check the oil for the gearbox.

i am not 100% sure if the noise is coming from the gearbox, but i cannot think of anything, but i do know i will get it checked out i have extended warranty on the car aswell.

Can i just ask what are symptoms of an auto gearbox going as i have previously owned manual gearbox cars.

[capt jack]

Checking that stae of your autobox fluid is easy.

Lift the bonnet, and immediately between you and the engine you'll see two dipsticks. The orange one on the left is the engine oil, the yellow one is the autobox oil.

With the engine switched off, simply pull up the yellow one and have a look at the oil which should be on the bottom end. It should be red or reddish brown, and fairly clear and should smell a bit, well 'oily'. Pop the dipstick back and push it full home. If the fluid is very dark, cloudy, and smells 'burnt', then you need to get the car to an autobox specialist for further evaluation.

To check the fluid level, do exactly the same thing, but with the engine well warmed up and running - MAKE SURE THE SELECTOR LEVER IS IN PARK! With your foot on the brake, move the gear selector back and forwards through all positions a few times. Pull the dipstick, wipe the end with a clean non-fluffy cloth, replace it fully, then pull it up again. You'll see that there is a 'HOT' mark on the dipstick and the fluid should be close to that. Do not do this by torchlight, and do not allow any dirt to get on to the dipstick.

If the fluid level is low, you'll need to add fluid. This has to be done via the dipstick tube and is fiddly. You need to be sure to use the correct fluid and do it very carefully, not over-filling it. If in doubt get a reputable garage to do this for you.

If the gearbox has a fault, it will misbehave in odd ways. You might find that gearchanges are not smooth, or that the kickdown won't work, or that there's a 'clunk' when you select D or R, or that there's a signifcant delay after selecting D or R before you feel the drive take up. If there is a major problem it's probable that you'll get the 'flashing arrow' warning light on the dash - the one that lights up steady when you select '3'. Another symptom of trouble would be similar to a manual clutch slipping - the engine racing when you accelerate without the car speeding up.

These things are difficult to check for when the road surface is in a poor state!

If you don't have the car's handbook, then a Haynes manual would be a good investment.

Finally, why not see if anyone on here is local to you and would have a look-see?

Cheers

Jack