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Automatic Gearbox Problems - Car Talk - Nairaland

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Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 4:02pm On Jul 18, 2013
Automatic gearbox issues have become a reoccuring decimal to any automatic car owner. Slow take off, sluggish acceleration, lack of kick down, loss of drive while in motion, lack of gear change, aggressive gear changes, high engine revs without power in drive just to name a few.

From my observation and the complaints made by some of our customers, these problems usually start from a gearbox oil change that was recommended by the mechanic who then uses the wrong type of ATF oil for the transmission.

Most car manufacturers develop their own ATF formula for their cars.

Honda recommends their own formula ATF-z1 for their gearboxes manufactured between 1998 to 2009 and upgraded to the ATF-Dw1 for gearboxes manufactured from 2010 upwards.

Toyota uses the Type 4 ATF for their cars manufactured between1996 to 2007 and the Toyota WS ATF for ones manufactured between 2007 to present.

Most other car manufactures have also upgraded the type of ATF for their modern cars from the common Dexron 2 and 3 petroleum mineral blends.

Using the wrong grade of ATF would almost certainly result in a failing transmission. Low grade ATF may not be able to handle the extreme temperature operations of an auto gearbox. Under very high temperatures, low grade oil loses its viscosity and may begin to boil causing loss of hydraulic functions by frothing or foaming. With lubrication and cooling functions inhibited, electric solenoids and valves including fibres on the wet clutch plates begin to disintegrate with other terminal damages occuring.

Some remedies I have seen used by local mechanics is to further add Engine oil to the gearbox in order to increase the viscosity of the ATF. This in turn puts the pump under great stress as the thicker oil would require more effort from the pump in distributing the oil under high pressure as well as the oil filter which is usually embedded within the transmission gear train. (The removal and changing of all Honda transmission oil filter would require the removal of the gear box from the car and stripping down the gearbox)

The resulting consequence would be an imminent and extreme overheating of the transmission and components such as the friction plates and a rapid degradation of the wet clutch fibres hence the loss of drive, slipping clutch and rough gear changes.

Replacing the gearbox or a total overhaul by an expert would be the likely solution but before then, an inexperienced mechanic would Send you on a wild goose chase by suggesting the removal and servicing or outright replacement of shift solenoids on the outer casing of the gearbox. These solutions Don't last as its just a temporal remedy to a terminal issue.

We constantly repair these gearboxes and those of other makes to a very high standard with 99.9% success rate and we recommend that if you are having serious issues with your automatic gearbox, ensure that appropriate procedures are followed.



Car-Doctor.

11 Likes

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Harbb: 1:47am On Jul 19, 2013
Nice one car doctor. But one question:Which of the ATFs in the market do you recommend for Honda baby 2000?
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 2:36am On Jul 19, 2013
Harbb: Nice one car doctor. But one question:Which of the ATFs in the market do you recommend for Honda baby 2000?

ATF-Z1 is the best for your car. Quite expensive but does a better job than a lot of the aftermarket ones. Stay well away from Abro It may ruin your gearbox.

1 Like

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by walexpal(m): 10:19am On Jul 19, 2013
I just had my gearbox change, i noticed the ATF fluid used by the Mechanic is Seahorse ATF fluid, Dextron III. Please is this Oil appropriate. The car is still working fine. Can I change the oil to ATF-Z1 after a while? The model is Honda Accord 1998/1999 model. Thank you.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Marpol: 10:44am On Jul 19, 2013
walexpal: I just had my gearbox change, i noticed the ATF fluid used by the Mechanic is Seahorse ATF fluid, Dextron III. Please is this Oil appropriate. The car is still working fine. Can I change the oil to ATF-Z1 after a while? The model is Honda Accord 1998/1999 model. Thank you.

If it is a Honda Accord, kindly remove it fast!

1 Like

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by walexpal(m): 10:56am On Jul 19, 2013
@ Marpol, i did the change and drove it for a week within lagos. Ever since i have been in Abuja. SO u are saying i should replace it with ATF Z1 immediately?
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Marpol: 11:24am On Jul 19, 2013
walexpal: @ Marpol, i did the change and drove it for a week within lagos. Ever since i have been in Abuja. SO u are saying i should replace it with ATF Z1 immediately?

because it will not last! The damage will not manifest immidiately,but gradually it will manifest.

2 Likes

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Harbb: 4:03am On Jul 20, 2013
car-doctor:


ATF-Z1 is the best for your car. Quite expensive but does a better job than a lot of the aftermarket ones. Stay well away from Abro It may ruin your gearbox.
Thanks car-doctor. God bless you.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by walexpal(m): 9:02am On Jul 20, 2013
Can i also use Honda ATF DW 1 in place of ATF Z 1?
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 9:13am On Jul 21, 2013
walexpal: Can i also use Honda ATF DW 1 in place of ATF Z 1?

ATF-DW1 is an improved z1. Yes you can use it if your honda is a 1998 to 2000 model but its a lot more expensive than ATF-z1. Use only ATF-DW1 on cars built from 2010 onwards.

If you own a Honda hybrid model, do not use any of these because they run on their own specialy designed hybrid ATF.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Marpol: 5:18pm On Jul 22, 2013
car-doctor:


ATF-DW1 is an improved z1. Yes you can use it if your honda is a 1998 to 2000 model but its a lot more expensive than ATF-z1. Use only ATF-DW1 on cars built from 2010 onwards.

If you own a Honda hybrid model, do not use any of these because they run on their own specialy designed hybrid ATF.


Is there fake DW-1? Cos I see 2 variants in the market. The grey one and the green one.

Kindly clarify pls.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by emmlaw52: 7:58pm On Jul 22, 2013
I have a similar problem with my honda halla, am planning to convert it to manual gear now. Can i hav ur phone number so that we can talk?
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 3:26pm On Jul 23, 2013
Marpol:


Is there fake DW-1? Cos I see 2 variants in the market. The grey one and the green one.

Kindly clarify pls.

Yeah. You are correct about the colours and there is also a gold coloured bottle. Can't say if the ones you saw are fake but just be careful enough in examining the packaging.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Marpol: 5:02pm On Jul 23, 2013
car-doctor:


Yeah. You are correct about the colours and there is also a gold coloured bottle. Can't say if the ones you saw are fake but just be careful enough in examining the packaging.

Thanks bro!
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by walexpal(m): 9:48pm On Jul 23, 2013
I think the grey is the original, that is the colour i have seen on most documentary regarding ATF DW 1 fluid.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Consortium(m): 12:33am On Jul 24, 2013
plz car doctor,my acura 1999 3.2 TL is gerking after a long speed and i slow down to accelerate again,it gerk and lift the engine up.could the ATF i used be the problem?
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by ZIMDRILL(m): 1:09am On Jul 24, 2013
Consortium: plz car doctor,my acura 1999 3.2 TL is gerking after a long speed and i slow down to accelerate again,it gerk and lift the engine up.could the ATF i used be the problem?

Start by checking the level if it low top it up, if it doesnt solve the problem change the oil
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by luvinhubby(m): 2:38pm On Jul 24, 2013
Marpol:


Is there fake DW-1? Cos I see 2 variants in the market. The grey one and the green one.

Kindly clarify pls.
They are same, the first batch of DW1 manufactured by Honda early 2011 came with the green label, but subsequent batches come in grey label.
.
@ car-doctor
Great job the Don, how is Abuja & Katampe hills?

1 Like

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by Marpol: 7:30pm On Jul 25, 2013
luvinhubby:
They are same, the first batch of DW1 manufactured by Honda early 2011 came with the green label, but subsequent batches come in grey label.
.
@ car-doctor
Great job the Don, how is Abuja & Katampe hills?

Thanks bro for educating us.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 6:55am On Jul 26, 2013
Consortium: plz car doctor,my acura 1999 3.2 TL is gerking after a long speed and i slow down to accelerate again,it gerk and lift the engine up.could the ATF i used be the problem?

A diagnosis based on your descriptions cannot be conclusive. You need to be able to seperate engine performance from that of the gearbox to ascertain which of the two being responsible for what you just described. Apart from a faulty transmission, your engine could display these symptoms. If you are in abuja, pls kindly bring the car in for proper examination.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by CHIMCO(m): 6:52am On Jul 28, 2013
@car-doctor pls. i am planning to work on the gearbox of my Merc v boot sportline 6plugs engine. I was told that it has Sclass gearbox. Problems: difficulty in changing gear and rough gear change with shove etc. I entered into a storm around October last year and i noticed mudwater in my gearbox oil, the mechanic washed it with chemicals before refilling it with 8 1L of Sea Horse atf. I dont know whether it is right oil but it was fine until these problems.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by ZIMDRILL(m): 10:41am On Jul 28, 2013
CHIMCO: @car-doctor pls. i am planning to work on the gearbox of my Merc v boot sportline 6plugs engine. I was told that it has Sclass gearbox. Problems: difficulty in changing gear and rough gear change with shove etc. I entered into a storm around October last year and i noticed mudwater in my gearbox oil, the mechanic washed it with chemicals before refilling it with 8 1L of Sea Horse atf. I dont know whether it is right oil but it was fine until these problems.

did you say 8 litres? even your engine doesnt take 8 litres
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by mario2575: 6:14am On Jul 30, 2013
Hi Doc...its a nice job you are doing here. Please I have a question. I use a Honda 2003 V6 (EOD) and the gear has failed to change when accelerating. When I put the gear on reverse it doesn't engage and starts to make noise. The D light on the dashboard also blinks and indicate gear malfunction. Please what is the solution here? Can it be fixed or I would have to replace entirely? Please help
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by mario2575: 9:40am On Jul 30, 2013
Please I need answers
mario2575: Hi Doc...its a nice job you are doing here. Please I have a question. I use a Honda 2003 V6 (EOD) and the gear has failed to change when accelerating. When I put the gear on reverse it doesn't engage and starts to make noise. The D light on the dashboard also blinks and indicate gear malfunction. Please what is the solution here? Can it be fixed or I would have to replace entirely? Please help
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by myk2mic: 5:12pm On Jul 30, 2013
where can one get the honda atf in lagos.honda accord 1999.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by ping2ping: 7:54am On Jul 31, 2013
hi car doctor. Thanks for the good things you are doing on nairaland.

Please i hear that Mazda cars are prone to auto gear problems. Do you know if Mazda MPV 2001 or 2002 which comes as a standard auto gear without option of manual is prone to having gear problems? I intend buying 2001 or 2002 model but very afraid of auto gear issues.

Thank you again
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 6:47pm On Aug 01, 2013
ping2ping: hi car doctor. Thanks for the good things you are doing on nairaland.

Please i hear that Mazda cars are prone to auto gear problems. Do you know if Mazda MPV 2001 or 2002 which comes as a standard auto gear without option of manual is prone to having gear problems? I intend buying 2001 or 2002 model but very afraid of auto gear issues.

Thank you again




I have encountered a few engine problems on this car but mainly due to bad mechanics and poor maintenance. The most common issues with them are the auto transmission. If you intend buying one, check for high mileage cars with poor service history and avoid them or else you might risk having to change the gearbox in no time.

Car-Doctor.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by durobraham(f): 1:51pm On Aug 03, 2013
Hi Car doctor where exactly is your car shop
in abuja? My mums 2004 honda pilot is having gear selection issues.

1 Like

Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 8:46am On Aug 06, 2013
durobraham: Hi Car doctor where exactly is your car shop
in abuja? My mums 2004 honda pilot is having gear selection issues.

See the address below on my personal information bar.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by zylla(m): 12:18pm On Aug 06, 2013
Car Doctor, You are doing a yo mans' job here. Please where can I get the ATF-z1 to buy and like how much will it cost?
Thanks
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by cardoctor(m): 8:41pm On Aug 06, 2013
zylla: Car Doctor, You are doing a yo mans' job here. Please where can I get the ATF-z1 to buy and like how much will it cost?
Thanks

Atf-z1 is getting quite popular now as more nd more people are realising that that's what the manufacturer recommends for honda cars and I'm also sure that lots of lessons have been learnt from using the wrong transmission fluids on tha Hondas.

My workshop is in abuja and I get my suppllies from reliable stockists that specialise in honda original spare parts.

If you are in abuja, you can try gudu market but you also need to beware of fakes that people are trying to sell as the real thing.

Original ATF-Z1 retails for around 2k.
Re: Automatic Gearbox Problems by CHIMCO(m): 7:10am On Aug 07, 2013
I finally took my car to gearman mechanic. After repairs, i notice that every morning the car wont reverse. If i engeged R it will be as if it is still on P. If it heats up during the day it will become normal. Also the gear changes with heavy force. I took it back to him during the day and it was working fine, he promised that it will normalized. I used 7 Ltrs of Holts Atf on it.

1 Like

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