Bongo Fury

My automatic 4WD Bongo suddenly decided it was not going to go backwards. Not only will it not move in reverse gear, the rear wheels won't move backwards at all - so that I can't even run it down a ramp in neutral. Presumably this is either a gearbox or an axle problem - but I'm not getting the flashing Hold light that signals a gearbox problem. It actually doesn't feel right in forward gears either, although it does at least move. For example, if I put it into Drive, it doesn't start to edge forward without my foot on the throttle, the way it used to. Any thoughts?

Unlikely to be the cause, but have you checked transmission oil level? Dipstick is under the drivers seat & it needs to be checked with the engine running & warm ideally, hand & footbrake on & wheels chocked, , range through all the gears slowly, then leave it in D to dip it.
Check the diff & transfer box oil levels too.
Is it making any granchy or clunky noises?

Stupid question I know, but the handbrake is off isn't it? could it have siezed?

Thanks Kirsty. Yes - the AA guy did check the transmission oil, but didn't do it in the way you suggest - he just looked at the dipstick without the ngine running as far as I can remember.
No - the hanbrake is not on and no, it's not making clunky noises.

Propshaft bearings collapsed? Was there any noticeable rumbling or graunching sounds prior to this occurrence?

sound's like a bongo in glasgow thats for sale on ebay going cheap,with the same problem!

It was on the ramp of an AA recovery vehicle - and there was consternation when they tried to offload it and it wouldn't move. It had to be 'sledged' backwards.

Latest update. All obvious problems checked. My mechanic is now looking at something called the transfer box - whatever that is, but it looks OK so far. Also - when in park gear, the brake band appears to have gone - don't know what the connection could be there.

Sandy wrote:Latest update. All obvious problems checked. My mechanic is now looking at something called the transfer box - whatever that is, but it looks OK so far. Also - when in park gear, the brake band appears to have gone - don't know what the connection could be there.

Intriguing

Thanks for the update and good luck getting to the bottom of it

Sandy wrote:Latest update. All obvious problems checked. My mechanic is now looking at something called the transfer box - whatever that is, but it looks OK so far. Also - when in park gear, the brake band appears to have gone - don't know what the connection could be there.

A transfer case is a part of a four wheel drive system found in four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of drive shafts. It is also referred to as a "transfer gearcase", "transfer gearbox","transfer box" or "jockey box"

Thanks for that. sounds as if the transfer box/case thing is absolutely relevant to the problem. fingers crossed.

Sandy wrote:Latest update. All obvious problems checked. My mechanic is now looking at something called the transfer box - whatever that is, but it looks OK so far. Also - when in park gear, the brake band appears to have gone - don't know what the connection could be there.

The brake band is a pawl on a double ratchet IIRC - so if that has "gone" perhaps it has gone and locked the ratchet and so won't release when you engage a gear.

If the reverse bit of the ratchet is in better condition than the forward bit it would account for why it goes forward a bit, but won't go backwards at all.

My garage has now removed the gearbox and found the sump to be full of bits of sheared-off metal. Looks as if the gearbox is knackered. A reconditioned one would be good, but if a need a new one so be it. Where do I begin to track down the correct gearbox though? This is a 1999 4WD automatic - I know that gearboxes vary, so I need the correct one. Should I go to a Mazda dealer, or can I trust some gearbox dealer to supply the right one?
I'm almost at the stage of scrapping this van and starting to feel desparate!

Hi sandy try campercraft he's got a scrapper lying there and might ave a box for u and he's in fife.


cheers stevie

sounds like the parking (P) pawl has broken off - ever engaged (P) on the move?
the pawl engages on a toothed hub on the outlet shaft, if it's broken off it'll jamb the 'box