Gearbox trouble already

[fatboyfat7]

Just in the door this minute. Hopefully someone can clarify what the problem is, will feel a lot better just knowing whats wrong. I know this is hard to follow...
I had noticed earlier when in Tip mode the car was making a slight, yet worrying sound in 1st and 2nd gear. It was fine in Auto. Gears and rev's were all fine though so I just thought I'd keep an eye on it and didnt really think it was anything too major as it wasnt there all the time, just occassionally.
Then while driving tonight in Auto the car stopped changing gears smoothly and started reving high and then jumping up a gear and down a gear etc. I couldnt pull in where i was so free wheeled about 200 yards (engine running and in 3rd gear) and by that point I had it in 'D' which was lit up on the dash as was the gear, but the N on the dash was also flashing??? I turned it off and started it again and was ok but not changing gears right at all... Not far from my house, so headed back slowly. The gearbox wasn't working properly and rev's and gears were all over the place. The lit up D and flashing N happened again!? Pulled in and stopped and when I started it again it was ok but still not changing gears right. Im seriously freaked, i know how expensive these gearboxes are and what a disaster they are to fit etc. It does seem to be changing gears but not at the correct times or very smoothly. Its hard to explain. I know i described this very badly but im so freaked, not had the thing 2 days! Any help or suggestions, good or bad I will seriously appreciate. Martin suggested changing the gearbox oil and filter but I have a bad feeling its worse than that...
Thanks Chris

[Bernard]

Firstly, I know nothing about Tips.

Still, I reckon running a diagnostic would be a good idea.

[fatboyfat7]

Ok, Ive calmed down a bit and shifted through the search option. Sorry about my hasty post earlier. It seems this is common problem but the solution tends to be different for everyone. Im praying to god its this SPEED INPUT thing that was suggested in the posts I've read. As for the driving it flat out for awhile method and think I'll leave that as a last resort. Change the fluids and a diagnostic seems like the obvious thing to do and go from there. I presume any decent garage can do this and I dont need to go to a Mitsubishi dealer.

[kevinod]

There's a post in the Knowledgebase forum about changing the tiptronic gear oil. Don't know anything about tiptronic diagnostics myself.

[Myfeckin FTO]

Def change the gear oil asap - and as mentioned you will need to do a diagnostic to ascertain where the problem lies.

You are really having bad luck with FTO's - the guy who sold you this FTO was obviously well aware of the problem - I would suggest having a word in his ear.

Hate to say it also but it was pointed out on the forum previous to you buying that this FTO was cheap for a reason - it was important to find out this reason before you bought.

[fatboyfat7]

Spent most of last night reading up on doing the diagnostic. 2 questions though... Can you connect any bit of wire up and ground it? And secondly, do I have to start the car or just turn the key a bit? Last thing I want to do is destroy my electrics...
As for getting it cheap for a reason, your probably right. But what can I do now, myself and Colm checked it and test drove it for a good while and nothing seemed wrong. I drove down from Naas and it was perfect. I can try him of course but seriously doubt I'll have any luck. If its just the sensor like I'm praying it is, i'll get over it. Today will be a day of tinkering I think.

[Masa]

Holy crap

You're definitely unlucky ...

If you need some help for the oil change just warn and I'll give a hand and change mine btw.

[fatboyfat7]

Thanks for offer but I should be grand, did enough reading on it now! Going out the door now to get the filter and oil. Wish me luck lads!

[Muad_dib77]

All the best - I'm sending good carma (sorry) your way..

[CJ]

As was already said, change the gearbox oil ASAP (Dextron III is readily availabela t motor factors). Check the oil level when hot before you change it to see if its its low - erratic gear changes are often caused by low oil levels. After changing the oil, reset the tip ECU (disconn battery for half an hour). If after all that you're still having problem, undertake a diagnostic.

CJ

[Kace]

Spent most of last night reading up on doing the diagnostic. 2 questions though... Can you connect any bit of wire up and ground it?

Yes

And secondly, do I have to start the car or just turn the key a bit? Last thing I want to do is destroy my electrics...

Just turn the key to position 2 - before the car starts

[fatboyfat7]

Couldnt find a filter anywhere in Cork, tried all the big places, even the mitsubishi dealer. And one place tried charging 12 euro A LITRE for the Dextron III. Ordered it off Camskill and the oil, got the lot for £39 strl. Just have to wait, will probably run the diagnostic to see in the meantime??

[CJ]

will probably run the diagnostic to see in the meantime??

No harm in doing so, its an easy job. Suggest you also check the oil level (when warm) to determine if the oil level is low to start with.

CJ

[fatboyfat7]

will do, checked it when cold this morning and there seemed to be too much oil. The colour was a light brown. Ill warm it up and test levels. I read though the links provided on previous threads about doing the diagnostic and it seems simple anyway, thanks.

[fatboyfat7]

tried doing the test there and nothing happened. Used a paper clip and grounded to a bolt close to the bonnet lever. I didnt start the engine though because as previous posts said I shouldnt need too. Fairly certain Im doing it right though. This is quote from the Aussie site on the issue...

''All we have to do is ground out this pin by using a single cable. With the engine ignition switch on, the computer will flash the engine warning light to indicate any stored diagnostic code(s).''

So is this saying I do or dont have to start the engine?

[fatboyfat7]

Really dominating my own thread here but just got it working, changed the grounding point but im fairly sure it ok. I think closing the door made the difference although it was incredibly awkward. I have 2 seperate problem its telling me. Took the numbers to corspond to problem from the Aussie site.

14 Throttle position sensor
24 Vehicle speed sensor

Neither sound very serious. Hope Im right there. Ill PM Rory see if he has want i need. Thanks again lads.

[Kace]

Sounds fixable - let us know how you get on.

[fatboyfat7]

Does the Vehicle Speed Sensor refer to the Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed or either? Didnt realise there was an output as well, all im getting is Vehicle Speed Sensor...

[crossroads]

Hi Fatboyfat7. Crossroads from oz here. Did yoy ever get that problem sorted?
I am having the same prob with mine. I posted before and got some great help but nothing worked long term. Before I head off to the devil (mechanic) I would like to have some idea on what it might be (and cost).
Cheers.

[fatboyfat7]

Its still down in Rorys place (aka Steelroe) Not having any luck with it really. He did another diagnostic and got a different code. Changed the required sensors but it didnt help. I have a whining noise as well though so I think its a bit more serious. Id say do the diagnostic and see. if its sensors try changing them and see if it helps at all. Will keep you posted...

[ftonewbie]

Hi fatboyfat7
I was wondering if you could update the problem you were having here. I am having the same type of issue and was wondering if you managed to sort it out and how?
Thanks

[steelroe]

We converted it to manual. TIP box had worn friction plates.

[fatboyfat7]

By 'we' he means him... As he said we'd bad luck and went down the conversion route, no regrets.

[CJ]

TIP box had worn friction plates.

Any idea of the cause Rory? I'm guessing that incorrect ATF was used at some point or the stuff in there had overheated and hadn't been changed accordingly (i.e. friction plates sticking together and prematurely wearing).

CJ

[fatboyfat7]

All i can tell you CJ is that when i changed the ATF fluid (first time id ever seen the stuff) it was black as the night. Was definately long overdue a change.