3 replies to this topic

[Hayley77]

Hi,

 

I really need some advice please. I have a K reg Mini Sprite with an automatic gearbox. The gearbox is playing up, i.e doesn't change gear properly, over revs when going up an incline (now also driving on a flat) unless I put my foot all the way down then it will change gear. I have taken to using the gears to get up hills. Also when I reverse up a small incline I have to over rev it to get it going. Sometimes it won't even reverse and I have to move it forward again. I have been told that I have to take it to Southampton to an automatic specialist. (I live on the Isle of Wight) Would anyone know how much it would cost to fix? Is it better to get it changed to a manual? I really want to keep this car on the road. It has a few other issues but I am getting fed up with taking it to different garages and not getting the problems resolved. Many thanks. Hayley 

 

[limby2000]

Hi Hayley, the symptoms you,ve described is known as "flaring", it is epidemic of automatic mini,s especially older cars which this is now and cars with bad service records, they suffer if the oil is not changed 2-3000 mile intervals. I would recommend first changing oil and filter to 10w40 must be (ma2). If you keep on driving as it is you will speed up its demise, as slipping clutches causes heat and damage. I own an auto owner myself so i,d be lying if i said you should convert to manual. Converting would be your cheapest option, but there are people who still repair these boxes, although not cheap. If you visit the automatic mini register you,ll find a lot of helpful info aimed toward the automatic mini owner. Regards Terry.

[MikeRotherham]

I'd agree with Terry with regard to changing the oil and filter first before any pulling things apart.

 

If you're going to get someone to do the oil change for you tell them that the engine and gearbox will need 10w40 and not 20w50 most people use in their mini.

 

Terry mentioned about MA2, a few people have found using oil for motorcycles with wet clutches in their automatic have got good results but it has to be MA2 grade

[Wim Fournier]

It's obvious your Min Matic hasn't been looked after well enough.

From time to time the brake bands have to be adjusted.

And Yes, changing the engine oil every 2500 miles with the oilifilter will help. And using 10W40 is a must. And yes, people use motorcycle engine oil specially ment for 'wet clutches' such as a mini matic has five, this is a good possibility.

It may take two or three oil changes to get rid of all the 'old' engine oil that is in it at the moment, because the torque converter has a litre in it and it comes not out when you drain the box.

 

When you will learn more about your Automatic mini reed the   http://autominiregister.proboards.com

There you find what concernes your stable mates.