6 replies to this topic

[CCC]

I have a 1996 N reg automatic mini mayfair. It's revving mostly on the flats - revs go up to 4 (rather than the normal 2/3) but it doesn't go over 30mph like this - it sounds horrid too.

If I shift gears manually sometimes it sorts it, sometimes it doesn't. After a while it usually sorts itself out but why is it doing this? Could it be the engine is better once warmed up? I had the distributor cap replaced recently (it was losing power on hills & sometimes not starting).

The garage say there's no faults logged on it and it might be the automatic gear box that needs replacing (which costs almost as much as the Mini itself). It sounds a bit like the gears might not be fully selected - or the clutch isn't in properly - but it's automatic.
What could be wrong with it?

Thanks

[Holly]

my auto sometimes does this!! (very rarely might i add when its been standing) the it sort of jumps into gear, sorry im not much help but some mentioned it might be to torque converter???? if i remember correctly over compensation, MINI DOCS HELP PLEASE

[Pavel]

Definitely sonds something fishy with the torque converter (to put it simply the auto version of a clutch). Mini autoboxes are very difficult to fix and therefore expensive. If it gets really bad I'd simply swap over to a manual. It shouldn't cost nearly as much as getting a sorted auto box, and will likely last a helluva lot longer

[sirmarky]

sounds like the forward clutch has gone ... when did you last change the engine oil ?
you could try & change the oil & filter to start with & using 20/50 mineral oil like millers.
there are ways of ajusting the 'brake bands' but i believe this is rather a big job.
what mileage has the engine/gearbox done ?
if all else fails then it looks like either a new auto box or a manual conversion.
good look & keep me informed how you get on with this problem.


mark

[Sunshine]

i find my automaitc does this too, but not quite to the extent that CCC's does. keeping the oil topped up and more frequent changes than a manual helps some.

more than anything else it sounds like the gearbox on its way out.

[minimanclive]

In the first instance change the oil and filter, if that doesn't help then look out for a pre 1990 Metro Automatic. It's the same gearbox and it'll be cheaper to buy a whole Metro for its gearbox than to get yours fixed.

[CCC]

Thanks for the advice. The car's only done about 50,000 miles. Sounds like an oil & filter change and possibly a trip to a Mini specialist would be best. I'm certainly not going to pay for a new gear box just yet. If only it wasn't so hilly where I live.