Automatic Transmission Fluid

MoodyMel

Hi

I am after some advice please:A My car is a Renault Grand Espace Expression, 2002(51) 2.0l and the gearbox has a teeny leak...now we are obviously going to get a new gearbox put in but simply can't afford to yet....anyway we have been told that we can just top it up for now and it should last us till we can sort it properly.

HOWEVER....I just can't see where to put the fluid:o, there is no dipstick (that I can see) and no cap looking parts, although being a very tilted bonnet it is quite hard to get a clear view.

Can anyone advise as to what exactly i'm looking for and where about on the gearbox it might be:p Although I have also been told that automatic gearboxes are sealed units that can't be topped up:cool: I just don't know who to believe:o

TIA
MM

iolanthe07

With some cars new ATF is forced down the dipstick hole under pressure with a special tool.

mickbhall

You may need to remove the wheel closest to gear box. Could be on the side on cars i have seen it is lower than you would think, The hole is relitvley small.

MoodyMel

iolanthe07 wrote: »

With some cars new ATF is forced down the dipstick hole under pressure with a special tool.

Would there be anyway I could do this myself.....using....something:p

mickbhall wrote: »

You may need to remove the wheel closest to gear box. Could be on the side on cars i have seen it is lower than you would think, The hole is relitvley small.

Really!!! Right I will try and look lower, tbh I have mainly been looking on the top and front I never considered it may be lower down...

I could probably do with some ramps to get a look anderneath, or maybe If I jack it up I could see a bit better:cool:

xx

natlol

Does this use the AL4 gearbox that is common accross the Citroen, Peugeot and Renault range? If so it has ATF that is supposed to last a life time and the snow and ice lights will flash if it is low or needs changing. As far as I am aware these use a special fluid which is quite expensive. Where is it leaking fluid from? It could be leaking from somewhere simple which could be an easy fix. If it is the AL4 box they are a pig to refurbish and are generally known for being poor quality and unreliable. I would suggest that you find a friendly local transmission specialist and let them have a look. If you were in the midlands I can reccommend the place that re-built ours.

MoodyMel

Hi natlol

I have no idea what type of box it is? Is there any way for me to find out by looking on the gearbox??

I'm in the northwest, but I am told there's an automatic specialist about 7 miles from me...I suppose I am going to have to bite the bullet and get them to look at it.

I was really just hoping to keep it working until we could get it replaced/refurbed. Even if I get them to look at it I am unlikely to afford any work to be done on it until early next year:(

Not sure exactly where it is leaking from, but there is fluid on the underside of it and it leave a little wet patch on the driveway!

xx

wealdroam

You could just ask your local specialist if its possible to top up the auto box.
While you're there, ask him which fluid to use and get him to show you where to top it up.

vikingaero

Check on https://www.fedauto.co.uk for your local autobox specialist.

Main dealers are robots who always say that gearboxes need replacing. My Dad's Merc dealer wanted £5k for a new box and we used a Fedauto member who repaired it for £1,300.

mickbhall

Having done bit of research it is advised not to change your self apparently needs to be a certain type of oil.

gordikin

hammyman will do it for 3 shillings and give you 15p change.

vikingaero

gordikin wrote: »

hammyman will do it for 3 shillings and give you 15p change.

But you'll have to put up with him moaning about the design of modern cars and how in his day blah blah blah...:p

Mel,

If you use the fedauto link, most of the auto transmission specialist should be able to replace or top up your gearbox oil. With autoboxes you can never drain off all the old oil unless you use a pump to pressurise the box and suck out the fluid. I had think done for about £80 about 5 years ago.