Sticky auto

[Alpine]

I'm finding my auto gearbox a bit reluctant to go into Park.

Is there any known issues with the auto having this problem?

Someone mentioned a gearbox oil change might help. There is nothing in the service history to say its been changed, but on the dipstick the oil looks nice and clean (pinky colour)

[capt jack]

I don't have a definitive answer, but in general if the auto fluid is pink and clean then it's usually assumed that the transmission is OK.

By way of a couple of suggestions for further investigation, try to do some more digging on here about the PNP switch. This is the switch on the gearbox that tells the car's computer systems which gear is engaged. I think it's what'll stop you selecting P when the car is still moving for example. These can become worn and faulty. One other sign that all is not well PNP-wise are faulty are non-operating reverse lights. The PNP operates these. The usual first fix for a faulty PNP is a vigorous and rapid multiple shifting of the gear selector. This I think has the effect of cleaning up the switch contacts. If by doing it you get an improvement then it might be worth thinking about replacing or repairing the PNP switch for a permanent fix.

The other thing to consider is the selector cable itself. I have a feeling that it's adjustable - from memory there's a section in Haynes on this.

Apart from these two auto transmission is a bit of a mystery. I've been lucky in having had only one wayward auto gearbox in all the many auto cars I've owned. That culprit was a Mercedes W-124 E-Class, and a drain and replenish sorted that out.

As I say, I'm not expert by any means, but I do think that the PNP and cable adjustment routes would be worth a thought.

Good luck

Jack

[Alpine]

many thanks Jack, I will look at those issues further on the internet.

[Alpine]

I've spoken to my mechanic on this and he suspects it might just be the selector that needs lubricating.

I think I'd need to remove the trim round the selector and between the seats but does anyone know if there will be anything there to be lubricated?

[Dippydog]

Once in park does it come back out of this position easily or is it reluctant to do this also? Is it that the gearbox is reluctant to lock in park or that the selector lever won't go far enough forwards to select park?

[Alpine]

The selector is difficult to get into Park, but it's fine coming out

[Dippydog]

From a quick read of the bible according to St. Haynes the only thing that might need lubricating/freeing off that's inside the car is the cable and where it attaches to the selector lever and centre console has to be removed and carpet peeled back to access this.The selector "quadrant" it seems is attached to the gearbox itself and the air cleaner has to be removed along with the battery and the battery tray to access this.