Caravelle automatic gearbox

[T4RRS]

Hi, I've just joined so apologies in advance if my posts aren't up to standard quite yet !

I have a 2001 Caravelle 2.5 TDI automatic. I'm not technical minded but I know "we have a problem Houston".

A shudder that has been noticeable at times over the last year has got a lot worse of late. It's not there all the time but comes at the 40mph mark when the car is pulling away. The shudder shakes the whole car. Dropping out of D down to 3 stops it.

I'm told it could be the automatic gearbox (differential ?). Help ma boab, that sounds bad.

It would be good to know if anyone else has had a similar problem. Any pointers on what needs to be done and who is best to do it would be very welcome.

[veedubbed]

hi dropping out of drive into 3rd isnt a good idea while in motion as the automatic gearbox is designed to be selected while stationary to suited conditionds,i would get the box looked at as soon as though as they will deteriate quickly.past experience differently noisy,box exploded and caught fire on local dual carriageway.

[Fourbears]

Actually theres no problem with manually shifting the box whilst moving, after all you may want to hold a gear up or down hill! As for your shudder, sounds like a problem with either 4th, or it may be the torque converter isn't locking properly. Either way a visit to a gearbox specialist for a proper diagnosis is on the cards! Unless you're in warranty of course! P.S. Have you checked the gearbox oil level?

[brian_wild]

I have a 2000 T4 camper conversion with the same problem in the auto box, i.e. it juddered at 40 when under load but not on a trailing throttle or going downhill.

It was diagnosed as a failure of the friction bands on 4th gear in the torque converter and required a new one (reconditioned one) to be fitted. It is most desirable to have the valve chest changed at the same time as this may have been contaminated.

You will be quoted anything from £2500 from a main dealer (you what!!!!!) to around £700 from local specialists. It is however proving difficult to find anyone who can do such work. I was lucky and found a place in Leighton Buzzard but this was the closest to where i live in Northampton.

However after a year and a further replacement torque converter (and a new valve chest) under their warranty I have the problem that sometimes the box will not lock up in top gear (as it is supposed to do) when the vehicle is hot, ie after restarting after a short break following a long fast run. This is really annoying on motorways as the van revs much higher for a given speed than is normal and restricts ones ability to overtake at speed.

Anyone any idea what is causing this? It cannot be the torque converter or the valve chest as both have been changed twice but nobody seems to have any idea.

Brian

[broworld]

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[Paulthefulham]

Hi Mate
I think I’m having the same problem can you let me know the name of the place in Leighton Buzzard please and what it would roughly cost me, as I’m local too in Olney