Auto gearbox fault?

bronty

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Points
23
Location
Ashton in Makerfield
Model of Z
2.8 auto pre facelift
I have a Z3 2.8 1997 automatic
When I drive it from cold it drives great good gear change and smooth.
When I stop the car and switch off the engine then restart it drives off but on th 3rd gear change it jumps (feels like under the seat) then I get the engine management light on.It dose not go into limp mode just jump on high end gear change it feels like it jumps into gear.
If I switch the car let it go cold it runs fine again.
I have been told it could be a switch on the gearbox but unfortunately these switches are now obsolete
I am waiting for an adapter for obd so I am not sure what the fault code is.
I will take the car to a garage but not sure on a local garage that would be good with an old car.
Has any one had a similar problem?
 
Last edited:

Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
208
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
First thing to do is get the codes read as warning lights coming on there will be a code stored that will hopefully steer you in the right direction.

Stephen.
 

bronty

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Points
23
Location
Ashton in Makerfield
Model of Z
2.8 auto pre facelift
A quick update
I took the car to a automatic transmission specialist and he hooked is diagnostic to the car at a charge of £75
He did not look to assure and suggested a software update at £350 then if that fialed to change the Mechtronic unit
So before spending I bought the creator C310+ and an adaptor
It gave me two faults
08 air mass flow señor on the engine
99 CAN DME load signal
I have ordered a new mass flow señor and will see if that clears both faults
When I cleared the faults the car drives great again no jumping into gear
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Yeah, some specialist then eh?

Tony.
 

bear2020

Zorg Guru (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 13, 2020
Points
89
Location
Norwich
Model of Z
Z3 3.0 & Z4 2.5
I had an issue with my 3.0 but it was changing down. From 3rd to 2nd and then 2nd to 1st. It felt like someone stomping on the brakes. I renewed the auto fluid, changed the filter, changed diff fluid. Still did it. I then added some Dr Tranny Fluid https://www.britpart.com/all-parts/da6809 and instantly made a difference. Its not gone totally but probably because I knew it was there but to anyone else they do not know. Might be worth a try as I thought it was sensors and all sorts and at £15 thought it was worth a go
 

bronty

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Points
23
Location
Ashton in Makerfield
Model of Z
2.8 auto pre facelift
The New MAF arrived today I fitted it very simple 10 min job and it worked
No engine management light No gear jumping and drives smooth
Just need the sun to come out now
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
So now you know not to take it to that garage ever again. Code reader and this Forum are your best friends going forward.
 

bronty

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Points
23
Location
Ashton in Makerfield
Model of Z
2.8 auto pre facelift
It is not the first time I have fallen foul of the garages
I had the dreaded critical gear box failure on a Range Rover after nearly 4k spent at experts. it turned out to be a Hydraulic torque limiter on the haldex pump found a bloke on the internet who fixed it for £180.
 
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