[Stevolution]

Hi all.

I have a 56 plate Auto Aventura - 78k. All going well.
But, I have noticed lately that the auto box does seem to be 'searching' for a gear and being a bit dithery over finding the right gear.
Its not terrible, but my mate noticed it straight away.


I asked my local Nissan dealer and they asked a local transmission specialist to have a look. He hasn't actually test driven it yet - he is waiting for a dry day ??? What difference that makes I have no idea.

There is talk of it either being something to do with the torque converter or a clutch part (what part I don't know - the clutch pack?).

It was orignally thought to just be out of adjustment, but apparently the computer says all is well.

Thoughts? The auto gearboxes were not exactly popular for being reliable so I am amazed its lasted 78k.

Just wondered if anyone had any ideas.

Thanks, Steve

 

[bobbobadobob]

Hi steve,

are the garage charging you for the transmission specialist?

And I've never heard of the auto's having a bad rep...?

Oh yeah and welcome to the forum!!!

 

[Stevolution]

Hi! No, the dealer basically told me they didn't have much experience with auto boxes (I live on the Isle of Man). So, they asked a local transmission guy - who does have a good rep.
As for the auto boxes having a bad rep .... like I said, until now, mine has been fine. When I bought it back in 2006 there was a flurry of people whinging about the autobox and clutch issues

 

[Lil'Trucker!]

Hi and welcome, an auto doesn't have a clutch mate, and generally the D40 boxes both auto and manual are pretty sound.

I think maybe you've been mislead? there were/are known issues with some clutches failing (manual trucks) but gearboxes are not normaly problematic :wink:

 

[mowerman]

at that age I'd be thinking flywheel issue

 

[Stevolution]

I know an auto doesn't have a clutch - but it does have an internal clutch pack.
Flywheel? How would that affect its ability to find/change gear

 

[Lil'Trucker!]

Yeah an auto box does have a clutch pack, but it doesn't operate in the same way as a conventional clutch in a manual vehicle, instead of a clutch there is a torque converter, and obviously lots of other components such as valves, belts pumps and hydraulics, planetry gears etc.

Dodgy torque converter or even the box being low on fluid could cause gear change issues, but as far as i know there haven't been any known issues with gearboxes in the D40?

Certainly not enough to cause concern, where is the bad rep you mentioned coming from?

Sorry mate but it's all news to me? :scratch:

 

[Rich]

is yours an auto Steve

 

[Lil'Trucker!]

is yours an auto Steve

Yeah it's auto Rich :wink:

 

[JPMC]

Sounds like dirty or low oil to me.

If it was torque converter it would have a bad vibration when the overdrive is switched on the the converter is locked up. (mine had this and had the converter replaced under warranty.

 

[Stevolution]

Its not low on oil - checked that. No vibration either.
It drives fine. Nothing shouts out that there is a gearbox problem. But... sometimes it either just stays in gear far too high - 5000+ revs going up a small incline... a blip on the throttle forces it to change gear.
Then driving along a road - steady 50 or so and it will suddenly decide to drop a gear, even though I have not altered my throttle position.
My mate noticed it, and also the mechanic said he thought something wasn't quite right.
I am loathed however to drop out a perfectly good gearbox and start playing around with it.

 

[mowerman]

I had an auto once for about 2 weeks and I must admit I was constantly thinking "change gear, come on change gear!"
I always seemed to want it in the gear above the one it was in.
Dunno if its how its set up for its weight, and for towing, that its kind of low geared for an auto?