PLEASE HELP!! Clio 1.2 2002 Expression Automatic Gearbox Problems

[Stratus]

Dear All,

I am a now Renault owner and need your help! I bought a CAT D 1.2 Clio Expression Semi Auto (71k) a few days ago and am experiencing problems with the automatic gearbox.
On the way home, the car started doing funny things. At around 80mph the gears started changing by themselves!! It went from 5th to 3rd to 2nd to 4th etc and then ended up in neutral with the auto warning sign on. I had to get on the hard shoulder, turn the car off and then back on only for the whole thing to happen again! I was not happy as i was 220 miles from home! I decided to use the manual option and it seemed to work fine. I have since been using the car locally and it does start changing by itself in auto mode and the warning light comes on and off too.
I have heard that a pressure valve can sometimes play up but am not sure. I also have some paperwork to suggest that a clutch may have been fitted earlier this year.
I cant check the gearbox/ auto transmission fluid myself and am waiting for Renault to quote me a price so i can have them check for me. I'm also having a timing belt fitted this week as a precaution.
I really need help with this gearbox as the car is for my sister in-law who is a carer and needs a reliable car. Please help and thank you for reading.

Oh and i also forgot to mention that it does not pull off in 1st very smoothly. It seems that you have to rev a little before it moves and then i feels like a slipping clutch. Other gear changes seem ok...

Stratus

[Tiggerz_SRi]

a free bump for you.

Auto boxes are VERY complicated and most mechanics wont touch them and send them to a autobox specialist. There VERY hard to diagnose without the know how.

Hope someone can help you on here, But users will be timid about replying mate.

[petercee]

i think you need to have your transmission checked by an authorised Renault agent, or an automatic specialist familiar with these transmissions, out here in New Zealand, i now go to the peugeot agent, as they share same transmission as my Scenic ,these gearboxes are very delicate, and its not uncommon to experience problems with them, in fact its one well documented area where renaults dont shine. i had a few problems with mine, i took it in and had it serviced, changed oil, they did that as its not something u should atempt , theres a special technique involved, anyway it was greatly improved there after, although im still not entirely happy with it.

[Stratus]

Originally Posted by Tiggerz_SRi

a free bump for you.

Auto boxes are VERY complicated and most mechanics wont touch them and send them to a autobox specialist. There VERY hard to diagnose without the know how.

Hope someone can help you on here, But users will be timid about replying mate.

Hi Tiggerz many thanks for your reply. I was hoping maybe to find someone that may have come across similar problems.

I had a friend use the latest diagnostic software to clear fault code's from the engine and gearbox. It was like reading a book with the amount of codes that were present!! Anyway, luckily they did all clear off so now we're going to have to drive the car to see if any other codes show up and then we can investigate.

Still waiting for Renault London to come back to me regarding the gearbox level check.

Seems to drive better after the fault codes were removed as it must have been using default values for a lot of the sensors.

Will keep you all posted!

[Stratus]

Originally Posted by petercee

i think you need to have your transmission checked by an authorised Renault agent, or an automatic specialist familiar with these transmissions, out here in New Zealand, i now go to the peugeot agent, as they share same transmission as my Scenic ,these gearboxes are very delicate, and its not uncommon to experience problems with them, in fact its one well documented area where renaults dont shine. i had a few problems with mine, i took it in and had it serviced, changed oil, they did that as its not something u should atempt , theres a special technique involved, anyway it was greatly improved there after, although im still not entirely happy with it.

Hi Petercee thanks for the reply... Will be taking it to Renault regarding the gearbox oil level and to see if it needs a service. The fault codes have now been cleared so nothing for Renault to check there.

If it lasts it will be a good car but i was told by so many not to buy French! Oh well its not mine but like eveything else its a learning curve and if i can help others then its worth it!

Will keep you posted.

Stratus