Automatic Transmission Fluid

[fergusminto]

How often should this be renewed? And how do you do it? Like most Bongos mine (2.5 auto) will not change into top until fluid had warmed up a bit but having done 70k perhaps it is time to change the fluid?

[Northern Bongolow]

the fluid should be bright cherry red, and not smelly, when its old it can go dark(er) and smells like toast . if its ok then maybe look at the fan switch on the rear o/s of the head as the temp is measured here, if the switch and coolant are not in good nick this may affect lock up time/temps.
if in doubt change the atf fluid, you wont regret it.

[Simon Jones]

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... ts/atf.pdf

"Fluid and filter changes are recommended at about 24,000miles". The filter can be removed & cheaned out rather than replaced. Worth dropping the sump to do the job properly as there is a magnet to catch all the bits of metal as the gearbox slowly wears: it tends to look like a hedgehog with all the metal bits stuck to it when you get it out

[teenmal]

the fluid should be bright cherry red, and not smelly, when its old it can go dark(er) and smells like toast . if its ok then maybe look at the fan switch on the rear o/s of the head as the temp is measured here, if the switch and coolant are not in good nick this may affect lock up time/temps.
if in doubt change the atf fluid, you wont regret it.

I always thought that the ATF temp was measured internally(in the box)

Cheers..

[fergusminto]

Thanks, all. Will do a complete fluid change it is darker than the recommended "cherry" and has some black bits in it! Obviously the original Japanese fluid.

[MountainGoat]

If you are not up to doing the job yourself do what I did.

I had the atf fluid on my Bongo changed at Automotive Automatics, Automatic Transmission Specialists at 14 Gordon Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8NA, 0131 554 5548. The pan was dropped, the filter cleaned out and the whole system checked. Cost me £115.00 + vat in September 2009 but it was well worth it as my Bongo handled much better afterwards. I did not have problems like you have to start with but I had a feeling that it was a long time since the job was last done. Importers say that they change the cam belt for you, but no mention of changing the atf fluid.

The garage was recommended to me by Dandywarhol who teaches in Automotive Studies at Edinburgh's Stevenson College.

[Blueskai]

I have just spent the afternoon changing the transmission fluid and I have to say it has been one of the most satisfying DIY jobs I have tackled.

Removing the pan was quite easy although slow going to allow the fluid to escape safely. The bottom of the tray was coated in a thick black sediment and the magnet looked like a doughnut with about 5mm of metal particles coated with the gunk.

After about half an hour of draining I cleaned and replaced the filter and tray and was left with 5 litres of cola coloured fluid. A change, it seems, was long overdue. Now the gear change is noticeably smoother and the acceleration is much improved.

I would recommend getting this done if you haven't. It's a bit of a faff but worth it. Garages charge over £100. The ATF and liquid gasket is about £40.

My tip. A BIG tray to collect the old fluid, some rubber gloves and LOTS of rags.

[longhaul8]

You can use a big tub to collect the old oil or use a pela pump to suck most of the fluid out first before you drop the sump

[daveblueozzie]

Few pics in this post of the atf sump.
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... lit=gasket

[RobEvans]

Very top tips cheers

[Jim the Box]

Seem to recall a video clip of the full procedure of dropping sump cleaning filters etc.
Really clear and precise think I may have watched it a couple of months back someone may be able to locate it for you I can't seem to find it.