Bongo Fury

please forgive my ignorance, and total lack of knowledge of all things mechanical, but the automatic gears on my Bongo make a whine sound as they change up gears. is this normal?

thx in advance for any help.

i don't remember mine ever whining

check you gearbox oil, it may be low or need replacing

It takes 4 litres of dextron 3

What are the consequences of using the wrong Dextron number (can you tell I haven't got a clue what I'm on about).

I got a contact for a gearbox "specialist" in swansea from the Bongo friendly garage list - but what he did wasn't that special in my opinion.

I asked him to change my gearbox oil and gave him the fact sheet which details everything a total novice would need to do the job right.
I double checked that he had used Dextron3 when I picked the Bongo up. "No mate" he said......" we always use dextron2" "we've never 'ad any dextron3 - its exactly the same stuff though".

A) Is it really the same stuff?
B) What difference will this make to performance / wear etc
C) Should I be worried?

If i am not mistaken i think its to do with the thickness of the ATF fluid whilst hot ect, but i think Colin Lambert is the oil specialist that will be able to answer your questions with a definate answer

But i dont think there is much difference between them, its just the Mazda recomends Dextron3 for the bongo , i dont think you have anything to worry about to be honest

waycar8 wrote:check you gearbox oil, it may be low or need replacing

It takes 4 litres of dextron 3

thank you. i'm booking it on for a look over soon, so i can ask for that.

Thanks a lot Waycar,

I think you will find the ATF Fluid brand name is DEXRON not DexTron.
I think Dexron iii has a higher temp range but could not guarantee this.

I think that is correct SSS.

The grading is similar to DOT4 and DOT5 brake fluids,higher boiling points.

Please be aware that there are various grades of ATF fluids too.

DEXRON is the fluid use by general motors.

MERCON is used by ford.

ATF+3 chrysler (mercedes?)

TYPE F (classic cars)

Most universal fluids are dexron/mercon compatible, but not neccesarily atf+3 compatible.

There is sometimes reference on the actual atf dipstick as to which fluid should be used,but i'm not certain with the bongo.

The fluid should be changed at no more than 40k, whilst the fluid is still cherry red,if it gets black,the filter will need to be replaced too.

Do not overfill with fluid! This is as bad as running the transmission with a low level, the fluid can become frothy if overfilled.

The pressure of overfilling can also in some cases cause transmission damage.

Nice one BD, I will save this info for future ref.

It is normal for all gearboxes (auto or manual) will make some sort of whining noise, especially in 1st or 2nd gear. Other things that can add to the effect: rear (& front in 4WD) differential gears: this willl increase with road speed, or the noise from the turbo which increases with engine speed.

It's tricky to say what is normal, unless you can have a listen to someone elses. Is there anyone on the forum in your area that you could meet up with for a test drive?

I cant believe an auto specialist could make such a fundamental cock-up. The right oil is very important to an auto box - they are extremely fussy devices. I wouldn't drive it until it was changed for the right stuff.

If it whines through all the gears it'll be the diff or transfer box if its a 4wd one.

Just a suggestion but are you sure its something to do with the gearbox and not something like the bearing in the alternator which is on the blink. This also makes a whining sound which raises as the engine revs rise.

Mine had a whine at 50mph none at 40 or 60 but it was there
between and at it's worst at 50 changed the front tyres,
gone no whine at any speed.