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Carib SW 1998 1.6L Automatic - 170+Km

Over the last 24months I am noticing that the car is finding it harder and harder to find the correct gear when driving on the motorway. (not going into top gear)

Its seems to stay revving 3.5-4km and if im fortunate it will change up a gear after a short time, but more recently its not - last week took 20mins!

I have tried forcing it by playing with the "Over-drive" switch (which is normally OFF) and I try giving it more gas etc.

I had AA Wairau Park do a Transmission Flush - They had it connected to a machine for about half a day, and it did "seem" to help for maybe a few weeks - but it has become worse over the last 4months.

I have Silver services done every 6months - but have never had the "engine tuned"
I use 96/98 petrol.

Any recommendations on what I could investigate further?

I am greatly concerned as fuel consumption has increased considerably and the car is acting very "gutless" (not that it was ever powerful previously)

Kind regards
Anthony

First recommendation would be to take back to your preferred repairer or a transmission specialist and ask them to go for a drive with you so they can experience the problem.

It should be fairly obvious if there is an issue with the automatic which may require the removal of the transmission.

Don’t spend money on tune-ups etc in the hope it will cure the problem as it sounds like it would money wasted to me.

Also ensure you are given an estimate of costs before any work is started and insist on receiving regular feedback if you do decide to go ahead with any recommended repairs.

It would not be hard to see repair costs going above the total cars value if the transmission needed an overhaul.

For a car of this age and mileage, getting a ‘worst case’ estimate from the repairer before you commit to, and approve, any repair work is often a wise move.

Thank you for your feedback.

I will enquiry with a transmission specialist and make sure to ask for "worst case" estimate.

Kind regards.