5 replies to this topic

[smitsil]

Hi,

I picked up my 1996 mini sprite 1275 automatic on saturday and took him on a jaunt straight to north wales for a jolly with my girlfriend. Checked the fluids and all was fine. So we set off and all was fine until about 100 miles into our journey. I noticed that the gearbox started to short shift from 2nd to 3rd and then a short squeek before it engaged 4th. All is fine as soon as its in gear but, but i started to get nervous as soon as the gentle squeek progressed into a full on bang everytime it shifted to 4th.

Under normal accelleration on a flat surface the 4th gear squeek appears again. But if say on a hill start or trying to get away from someone tailgating the 4th gear bang rears its ugly head under mid to high accelleration. i think its progressively getting worse and it sounds possibly expensive.

Another thing I did notice before the squeek and bang started happening was that the gearbox stopped selecting 4th gear smoothly and the revs climbed momentarily before engaging 4th.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this or cvome across it before?

Any help and advice would be great. I am in the Manchester area and am also looking for a good mechanic if anyone knows someone.

Thanks.

Dave

[m1n1]

The 'bang' could just be a simple case of the top engine steady bushes being worn. On full throttle the engine is probably moving back and forth slightly; and the injection manifold banging on the bulkhead. The squeak could be from a loose fanbelt which needs adjusting. I would hope its simple things like that, just have a quick check!

However 4th gear slipping is a problem; my automatic used to slip when the engine was hot, (from a long drive). All i can suggest is make sure the correct engine oil is used.

[smitsil]

Thats interesting... When I set off this morning for work all was fine. The problem only started after 20 mins driving or so. Will check and get back to you.

Thanks for the advice.

[smitsil]

Thats interesting... When I set off this morning for work all was fine. The problem only started after 20 mins driving or so. Will check and get back to you.

Thanks for the advice.

[il-barba]

try giving an oil and filter change, and use 20-50w. if it happens after 20 minutes of driving it may have something to do with the oil being hot and too thin

[smitsil]

I knew owning a mini would be interesting to keep going, but oh my good god!.... im dreaming of a Ford Mondeo with bland trim and bland colours and bland drive..... mmmmmm BLAAAAND Only joking!

Will do what you all say and report back as soon as ive tried it

Cheers.