Fabia Mk1 Automatic

[jojo564]

I've got a Fabia 14 automatic. When I start the car in the morning it sounds like the 'clutch' is slipping  and the revs increase. After about 2 miles when it's warmed up  the high revving stops and it drives normally. I've had the transmission fluid changed but it's still doing the same thing, though not as bad. 

Anybody got anything else I can check?

 

Cheers,

 

Jojo

[sepulchrave]

You need to check the fluid level, it can take a while to settle, check it after a run with the engine running on level ground and top up carefully as needed.

[jojo564]

Cheers Sepulchrave,

 

I've checked the ATF level again and it's OK, the problem hasn't gone away completely. I'm thinking it can't be anything serious because it stops doing it after about 3 miles of town driving when it's warmed up. I don't want to take it to a main dealer because of the likely cost.

 

jojo

[Phil-E]

If you could find someone local for a diagnostics scan it may shed some light on it.

 

Slipping on an auto box is usually either old or low fluid level (ruled out in this instance) or low oil pressure.

 

Do you understand the basics of how the torque converter works? May help you to understand the potential problem.

 

Phil

[DanHarper]

Do you mean 1.4 or 14 plate... if the latter it will be under warranty.

[Phil-E]

I'm guessing it's the 1.4 16v with the 4 speed auto box.

 

A quick google suggests it's made by Jatco.

 

Phil

[Dean-]

If 14 plate it is in the wrong section  

[sepulchrave]

The Jatco box is widely used and generally reliable, their achilles heel are the solenoids fitted to the hydraulic distribution manifold in the sump, I believe there are six solenoids on the four-speed.

[KenONeill]

Do the solonoids control the lock-ups and brake bands? If it was an old unit with no lock-up functions I'd be thinking brake bands. Which is a job for a transmission specialist.

[sepulchrave]

Do the solonoids control the lock-ups and brake bands? If it was an old unit with no lock-up functions I'd be thinking brake bands. Which is a job for a transmission specialist.

 

I seem to remember it only has a band for the overdrive, did the solenoids on a Focus, it was a doddle, knit one purl one. It was a bugger to get the fluid level right though, needed about six goes before all the entrained air finally bubbled out.

[jojo564]

Thanks for the replies.

[czechmait]

Hi jojo564

 

Just picked up your post. For what it's worth here's my experience of exactly the same problem.

 

I have a 2001 plate, 1.4 MPI automatic combi, having done 96K miles.

It has the AUA engine with the ESK 4 speed box (3 forward + rev)

The auto box is a model JF404E made by JATCO, I believe part of the Nissan group. This box was widely used only smaller popular car brands.

 

My car exhibits the identical characteristics as your. On startup from cold the gearbox seems to slip on 1st and 2nd gear changes, with revs increasing by 2000 - 2500 rpm.

As soon as the gearbox warms up, after a couple of miles, the fault goes away.

 

I have twice sent the car back to one local Skoda dealer to have ATF level checked. Both times it made no difference.

I was recommended (by another Skoda Service/Workshop manager) to contact a specialist gearbox remanufacturer in Sussex. That company has the ultimate in gearbox diagnostic equipment, far superior to that the Skoda dealers use. The manager uses this company for elusive problem solving on electronic auto gearboxes.

Anyway, I emailed the company with a very detailed description of the problem. The owner came back and stated that he has never come across that problem in his 30 years experience. He was prepared to investigate, but only after confirmation of quality and level of ATF.

Back to the new Skoda dealer Service Manager, with whom I had developed a good rapport. I am a time served machine tool engineer and well versed in gearboxes and controls and I felt comfortable that this guy knew his job. We agreed his team would run the engine up to temperature, drain all ATF fluid from the gearbox and torque converter and totally refill the system with new VAG ATF. This being done whilst the temperature was still at 35 degrees C, as per workshop manual. The engine was then run, the gearbox exercised and the gearbox ATF level checked again. Once we were satisfied that levels were ok, the functionality of the 4 soleniods were checked. All worked as and when required, at correct revs. Then for the road test.

 

After spending £165 with 85% being the cost of the VAG special ATF. The result - absolutely no bloody difference.

 

The concensus of technical opinion is that the car is wearing and the Torque Converter is showing its age. It is just behaving in a lazy manner when it's cold.

 

As for the car. I've still got it and still using it. With the fault now being part of the car's character.

 

Sorry for such a long tale, but if my experiences save you and others from spending money, it might be worth noting.

 

regards

[jojo564]

Cheers Czechmait.

[KenONeill]

Hi jojo564

 

Just picked up your post. For what it's worth here's my experience of exactly the same problem.

 

 

Thanks for that; you've done everything I could think of to even try, right down to the specialist.