[clio-al]

First of all I'd just like to say hi to everyone as I'm a new proud owner of a Clio mk2 1.4 16v auto (just over 70,000) I do however have one question about the auto gearbox. When I slow down it feels like the engine and the gearbox are kinda out of sync speed wise, like the gearbox is slowing the car down as well as me braking... It's not a huge problem at the moment and changes gear nicely, but I would like to know if it's the start of a bigger problem or hopefully solvable.. Thanks for any advise given. Alan

 

[clio-al]

should add.. it's a Y reg 2001

 

[clio-al]

Has no one got any ideas please?

 

[danthevan]

Has the gearbox ever had an oil change?

 

[clio-al]

Has the gearbox ever had an oil change?

The car is new to me.. But I thought (having read on here somewhere lol) that this is a sealed unit?

 

[wyn burgess]

If it is a DPO automatic gearbox, it locks up in each gear for max economy, this means the car will slow if you take your foot off the gas and you should feel the gearbox change down as you slow until it disconnects as you come to a halt.
It uses fully synthetic auto gearbox fluid (from Renault) bit less than 4 litres and is supposed to last the life of the gearbox but you won't do any harm having it changed as this will prolong the life of the gearbox.

 

[clio-al]

If it is a DPO automatic gearbox, it locks up in each gear for max economy, this means the car will slow if you take your foot off the gas and you should feel the gearbox change down as you slow until it disconnects as you come to a halt.
It uses fully synthetic auto gearbox fluid (from Renault) bit less than 4 litres and is supposed to last the life of the gearbox but you won't do any harm having it changed as this will prolong the life of the gearbox.

Thanks for that... I do get the odd bit of a surg and it occationly it doesn't change gear when it should sometimes...
Does it have to be at a Renault dealers to get it changed?
I have checked and i'm not getting any error codes..

 

[wyn burgess]

It is fairly straightforward to DIY assuming it is a DPO box, check, I don't know mines a Scenic. Buy 4 litres of the fluid from Renault (£10/litre + VAT!), you need to get the car level whilst being able to get underneath, ramps on a hill are what I did. Unscrew the large combined drain and level plug and catch the hot fluid, measure the amount so you can see if you have lost any. Replace the drain plug and fill the gearbox with 3½ litres of new fluid, get it hot by driving about 8 miles, back on the ramps and with the engine running in remove the small level plug and catch the surplus, won't be much, replace the plug-job done.
What the Renault garage has is the diagnostic that enables them to know the gearbox temperature (60 degrees) before checking level and being able to record the change in fluid on the car's memory, both not critical.

 

[clio-al]

I have checked with Haynes manual and it is a DP0 gearbox.. is it worth me thinking of changing the imput and output sensors? not that I would know where to get them lol.. I'm just thinking if it is getting wrong sensor readings that would make it irratic..

 

[wyn burgess]

Not sure I would try the oil first as its the most likely cause of trouble. Is there any guarantee on the car? if so I would make the dealer my first call. Another route would be to ring a couple of auto transmission specialists for an opinion on your symptoms.

 

[clio-al]

Great advice, many thanks.. I'm just left wondering one thing.. If it's a sealed unit, how do I fill it up?

 

[wyn burgess]

See my earlier post on how to fill. You check the level in similar fashion, if nothing comes out when you remove the smaller level plug from below you will need to add some more fluid from the top until it does. Note engine has to be running!

 

[clio-al]

See my earlier post on how to fill. You check the level in similar fashion, if nothing comes out when you remove the smaller level plug from below you will need to add some more fluid from the top until it does. Note engine has to be running!

Sorry what I mean is the point where I would actually fill it.. I have looked at the haines manual and can see theres a fill point on top of the box, but cant see if it's just a nut or as the sealed unit makes it sound a plug or something like that... many thanks Alan

 

[wyn burgess]

It is the large plug in the centre of the top of the gearbox. You need a large size star bit to undo it and if it anything like my 1.9 Dti, a funnel with a long neck to save having to remove the pipes on top of it.

 

[clio-al]

It is the large plug in the centre of the top of the gearbox. You need a large size star bit to undo it and if it anything like my 1.9 Dti, a funnel with a long neck to save having to remove the pipes on top of it.

Brilliant.. Thanks for that..
Just a thought.. But is there a filter?

 

[wyn burgess]

There must be a filter but it is internal, I don't think you can get to it without complete dismantling of the gearbox.

 

[clio-al]

There must be a filter but it is internal, I don't think you can get to it without complete dismantling of the gearbox.

Ahh I wont be doing that then lol.. Many thanks for your help.. I will let you know how I get on.

 

[clio-al]

Well it started very well.. I was charged trade prices and got the 4 ltrs for just under £28, I have done the change and I have to admit I have felt a difference.. I'm not sure if it's totally cured but I will give it time to settle down.. At the momment I am happy with the result.. Many thanks for your help.
I have just 1 question.. When draining the excess, does it matter if it's in Park or Neutral? I got about 1/4Ltr drained out. I had it in neutral!