2001 2.3t - automatic gearbox problem - and who stocks ATF?

[chris aka zaphod]

So after around 15 months and around 12,000 miles of troublefree motoring and load-lugging, we have finally hit an issue in the last week.
When slowing down to a stop, say, at a junction or traffic lights, from normal speed, the gearbox will crunch as it selects first gear. Not all the time, but it does it! At other times, the gearbox changes up and down smoothly and effortlessly as it always has.

I am thinking (nee praying) that at just 120,000 miles, she is due for a fluid change anyway - it does look less than pink, but there's not brown evidence of burning - that there is a lazy hydraulic piston, for whatever reason.

Levels have been checked as per the method in the Drivers' handbook - they are fine.

Also, where can I get 5 litres of the Dexron III? - the last resort will be eBay, of course. My local large motor factors only stock 1 litre bottles, and I have to admit, that I haven't been able to pay a visit to our local gem of a family motor factors.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[sgould]

Eurocarparts do 5 liters of Dexron III

http://www.eurocarparts.com/bristol.html

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/car-tranmission-oils/automatic-transmission-fluids/?522776011&0&cc5_869

[Audax]

Also, where can I get 5 litres of the Dexron III?

I'd consider just buying several small bottles of fluid as it can be a pain to get it into the gearbox, buy a set of small funnels from ebay/amazon or similar first, possibly baking/kitchen funnels will be best. I found the perfect funnel for doing this job in the kitchen drawer.

[mikeloadsasaabs]

I found the perfect funnel for doing this job in the kitchen drawer.

Has it been missed yet? 

I bought a funnel with a long spout, including a flex-section, for doing the same job on mine, but I can't remember whether it was UK sourced. If so, it was at a branch of CAF because I used to buy everything there!

[chris aka zaphod]

Thanks all.
Will - I had forgotten all about eurocarparts (not that I have had to use them at all recently), and pass the top of the road twice a day, too 

[nine-fiver]

Get ready for a new box in the not so distant future. A fluid change may well help you for a bit, and I hope it does. But it won't be a long term solution. I had 'issues' on mine for a year or so, and then it expired one day on an exit ramp coming home while towing a trailer. The current box is running very well now, thanks. Life span accomplished, sorry to say.

[Audax]

A fluid change may well help you for a bit, and I hope it does. But it won't be a long term solution.

I kind of dispute that you need to be quite that negative, mine was getting clunky as nobody changed the fluid at the service interval so it was replaced at 120k instead of 72k and here I am another 40k on without problem although it can be a bit draggy and clunky at times (which could be solenoids). From the symptoms described I would say as it only does it "sometimes" there's a good chance it's just a lazy solenoid which will last however if it's making a crunching noise that's not so good. However you are right a fluid change on some boxes won't be a cure but it's not going to make the problem worse.