cold automatic gearbox

[LostBloke]

Hi there.

When first starting off sometimes there is a loud 'thud' coming, I think, from the gearbox. then the 'sports' and 'ice' lights start flashing on the dashboard and the car locks itself into 'get you home mode'. If I stop the car, turn off the engine and then restart off it goes. This can happen two or three times, seemingly until the gearbox warms up, and the all is well and the gearbox works wonderfully. I've had the oil changes and the 'expert' said the box was fine, but he could get me a replacement for £600. Hmmm! Does anyone know a decent specialist in the Bristol area?

regards

LB

[Welly]

I was going to say change the fluid but........

There's not really any knowledge about the slushmatic other than the fact there are shift solenoids, filters, the fluid (obviously) and an ECU talking to the engine ECU.

We had a RAV 4 at work where the auto box was playing up (banging/locking up) and it was the ECU at fault not the box.

Sorry I can't be of any more use but maybe someone else can advise further?

[STALLED]

The "snow and sports" light flashing on the gearbox isn't a good thing - combined with the fact that the car is going into "limp home" mode!

What colour was the fluid when you last changed it?

[LostBloke]

Thanks for the replies, I don't know the state of the old oil as it was done by a gearbox specialist. It just seems very strange to me that the problem only appears when the engine/gearbox is cold.

regards

LB

[LostBloke]

Update.

I took my car to Midland Road Gearboxes.
They told me to be there at 8a.m., "So we can get it onto the ramp". I got there and they asked if the problem was happening at the moment? "No", said I.
"Well", said they, " Not much point in looking if there's no problem at the moment, when it happens again, bring it back".
"But it only happens when the cars cold", I reply, "and driving through rush-hour traffic in 'get you home mode' is not advisable, plus, when I get here you would have to check it immediately, as if I turn the engine off the problem will clear".
The man just turned away and walked away.

Looks like I shall just let the car run for a couple of minutes before using it - it's a lot cheaper and less hassle.

Regards

LB

[mjb]

First thing to do with an auto box problem is to check or replace the gear oil. These things can be very sensitive to type and especially level.

[LostBloke]

Plot Shift/Update

Last week my wife went and started the car for me, and said that the snow/sports lights came on when she revved the engine. (In consideration of the neighbours I usually warm it up at a moderate rate)
So, could it be that the problem is with a cold engine rather than the gearbox? Maybe the noise from the gearbox is from it being forced into 'get-you-home' mode? If so, what would make a cold engine revving above 2500 rpm throw a wobbly that it doesn't mind when it's hot?

Regards

LB