4th Gear - Torque Lockup Question

woz · Post by **woz** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 12:32 pm

Hi..

Just a quick question regarding the timing of the final Lockup gear on a Auto Bongo.. I have spent the morning reading the site and have learned a great deal on the Auto box - so thanks to everyone here! Also realised it can be very expensive for failing to interpret incorrect behaviour

Mine appears to change up correctly, but when for eg. Cruising at 65 mph running on the torque lockup, if I (quickly) completely remove the throttle position it disengages from torgue lockup and returns to 4th.. Gently restore throttle position and it revs slighty higher for a very short period of time and then returns to torque lockup... ?? All done over the space of a few seconds and not dropping below 60 odd mph

If I gently remove throtte position when in torque lockup at 65 mph and keep at a very low constant it does not change down into 4th? instead it stays in torque lockup.

I have read various searches and have only found of one similar instance ?

I have checked the fluid and it seemed OK, I think I may opt for changing it later today tho..

Can anybody shed any thoughts/ experiences?
Thanks
Warren

neil/di · Post by **neil/di** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:37 pm

Mines always done that, thought they all did

Neil

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:11 pm

Kind of agree with Nail. I think mine does this between 45-50 but locks up v quickly again. Not sure about 65 - havent done that much lately but dont think it does. Doesnt sound life threatening though. Good luck.

Mike

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:18 pm

It's normal Woz - if not a bit of a pain.......there's times like that and when it kicksdown to 3rd, reving too high for a diesel engine torque band, when I'd prefer a manual 'box.

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:25 pm

I think this is what happens:

Take your foot off at speed, the Bongo freewheels. Foot back on takes up drive in the most appropriate gear (you are accelerating). Then relax the foot, changes up as normal, eventually locks up as normal.

If you keep your foot on the throttle, but not accelerating, will tend to stay in lockup above 40 mph.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:54 pm

My experience matches that of trevd01. Getting the best out of the Bongo box takes a little time, as it is so different from a manual car. Its a strange beast, but very satisfying as you start to master it and its a very fine box really even though I wish at times that I could lock it where it is until I decide what I want to let it do. If I had to make one over-riding suggestion it would be to notice when it is revving rather a lot without going down the road much, and get out of that situation. Typically, this means that if - say you are going at 35mph you have to either:

1) use the throttle firmly to get the speed to 40mph then back off to encourage lock, then keep a little pressure on the throttle to encourage it to stay in lock-up

OR

2) If you cant head for 40mph (traffic, speed limit etc.) and lock-up, relax on the throttle and let the box choose the next best option (which will be engine rpm at 1500 or so at 30mph if you get it).

What you must not do is keep squirting the throttle impatiently in short blips, as the engine will rev up and down and burn juice while your mean road speed varies little.

Best territory for the Bongo is 50-60 mph on the open road with you admiring the view - can't beat it

Hope this makes sense.

Mike

woz · Post by **woz** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:11 pm

Hi All.. Thanks for the replies.

I had wondered if I had maybe just recently noticed this

I keep checking the ATF Fuid and all seems OK, there are a few bubbles on the dipstick..

I will undertake a fluid change at the weekend, for which I have a question I hope somebody can advise on...

When I remove the pan / filter etc, people have mentioned abount using a Silicone to re-seal the gasget/ filter. Does anybody have any pictures of this area ? I am bound to get it all wrong !

Thanks again

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:12 pm

I wouldn't put silicone sealer ANYWHERE near the oil pan - one tiny bit of it into the box/oil and you'll have endless problems with drive and gearchanges........believe me - I've seen the results!

Tur80 · Post by **Tur80** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 6:27 pm

If you take your foot off the pedal completely it operates a switch on the fuel pump and causes the down change when you depress the throttle again.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:54 pm

Tur80 wrote:If you take your foot off the pedal completely it operates a switch on the fuel pump and causes the down change when you depress the throttle again.

Could you explain that one please Tur80?