Questions on the early 4spd.
 

Hello,

Lads, I have 2 tranny questions for you;

My 96 has the earlier 4spd on 180ishk. Am I right in thinking that this is a more reliable than the 5spd? I have no evidence that the fluid has ever been changed.

I have once experienced a problem selecting gear. One morning when the gearbox would have been cold, I started the engine and selected 'd'. Immediately there was a 'clunk' as the gear engaged. I then noticed that the dis gear selector display had become 'negative', that is, the red background had become white and the prnd123 had become red. I feared the worst, put the car back into park and switched it off. Waited a few minutes and re-started, this time without any problems. It has not happened since and this was about 2k miles ago.

Was that perhaps an isolated incident or the early symptom of a failing gearbox? This may sound strange but I think I may have selected 'd' a bit too hastily that morning, could that have caused some sort of gearbox ecu confusion?

Question No 2;

On startup, there is a moaning sound coming from somewhere behind the engine, I think it is more prominent on the drivers side. I can only describe it as a sort of a 'moan' ( a bit like a power steering pump) which rises and falls with the revs, weather a gear is engaged or not. It is not particularly loud and it does almost (but not quite) disappear as the engine/gearbox warms. My suspicion is that it is some sort of oil pump, but weather engine or gearbox I've no idea really. I'd love to eliminate it as it detracts from the overall refinement.

Many thanks folks,

Avus.

Generally, limp mode, where all the lights come on - can be an early sign of the gearbox on the way out, but it honestly would be the first one we've seen fail..... Never say never though I guess :rolleyes:

On the plus side, we have loads of spare ones, so you're covered there +++

We have noticed higher mileage 4 speeds do tend to whine a bit, so it may well be perfectly 'normal'

Get it along to one of the meets, we'll be happy to cast our ears over it +++

Great stuff Ian, that puts my mind at rest. I'll admit I spent the first few months living in fear of the gearbox going pop.

Would you advise an oil change or leave well enough alone? Is the procedure the same as for the 5spd?

I'd love to attend an a8 meet but seeing as I'm across the water I'll have to organise a gathering of my own. Can I setup the Irish chapter of the a8oc?

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Avus (Pearse)

Limp mode could also be the F125 switch (I assume these exist on the 4-speed too?). Sure I've seen some posts about these going faulty.

You could always get the ferry across :)

We'll see. I might try and combine it with a trip to the 'ring.

I'm surprised nobody took a shot at this wide open goal.

LOL its when your box tries to do the TranWarp and takes a jump to the right you need to watch out ahem. . . :D

Another person from Ireland, well be the hokey :). Welcome, welcome, you anywhere close to Co. Limerick?

TBH a bump when engaing 'D' isn't too much of a worry, Does it do anything else funny?

If not.. I'd leave well alone until proven otherwise, but maybe put a few quid/Euro away just in case.