Reluctant to reverse

[Chains]

Started the Bongo Saturday morning, first time since the weekend before, and found that whilst it was easy to select reverse the bus would not move even with nearly 3000 revs. As the bus was nose I was able to nose forward approx 1/2 metre.

Then when I went for reverse again we were able to do so but needed significantly more revs that usual. Once warm everything was ok.

Is this normal, given the time unused and temperatures experienced?

I ask becase we normally park nose out, so do not have to reverse first thing.

Chains

[Trouble at t'Mill]

Hmm, doesn't seem normal to me. Unless you were reversing up a steepish slope - in which case more revs would be needed (don't know if as much a 3k, tho'.)

Perhaps steep slope combined with cold gearbox?!!



First Q to ask - have you checked your AT Fluid level?

[Dolly1]

ATF low and cold ??

[Chains]

Just to Add

Haven't checked my aft.

Reverse was on level gravel.

Had not considered checking the aft as nosed forward as normal. It almost felt like the gearbox needed to "pump" the fluid in a forward gear before it would do the honours with the reverse gear.

Just really wanted to understand it what I experienced was "normal" for a cold (7 days with all nights minus temp) gearbox using revese first.

[teenmal]

Just to Add

Haven't checked my aft.

Reverse was on level gravel.

Had not considered checking the aft as nosed forward as normal. It almost felt like the gearbox needed to "pump" the fluid in a forward gear before it would do the honours with the reverse gear.

Just really wanted to understand it what I experienced was "normal" for a cold (7 days with all nights minus temp) gearbox using revese first.

Hi,
this is not normal gear box operation,as mentioned check fluid and change if it looks iffy.

Also check that your brakes have not stuck on

Cheers Mal..

[Chains]

Thanks everyone for their thoughts.

Have downloaded atf fact sheet and will check level next weekend when we go out.

Chains

[Trouble at t'Mill]

Chains, it's just about the easiest thing to check: you know how to lift the driver's seat to gain access to the engine below? You'll find the ATF dipstick sitting there towards the rear, and pointing straight at you.

Go for a drive to get the car warm, stop on level ground, apply handbrake firmly, run the gear selector through all the positions leaving it in 'Drive' (watch out for the car trying to creep forward when you release the footbrake), pull out the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, remove and check level.

Smile to yourself if it's low 'cos hopefully this is all that's required.

Then give yourself a good slap for allowing it to get to low.

Plan a fluid change (and ideally a sump pan removal and clean) for the next service (low fluid will have been working harder...)

[bigdaddycain]

Hi Chains, strange as it seems, if you DO have to top up the fluid, you will have to go through the "dipstick" tube... (with dipstick removed of course). Run the box through the ratio's each time more fluid is added, reverting back to "D" for the check dip. Slow as you go with adding the fluid....

[mikeonb4c]

The only question then remaining is.....how did the fluid level get low