GQ auto problem- ALMOST fixed still need some help/ideas/suggestions to nail it

On my GQ dual fuel wagon, I had a auto problem I thought may've been related to some long distances I was travelling on consecutive days of 30+ degree heat.

After the final day of this travelling, I noticed that the next time I tried to drive, could not change out of 1st. I'd regularly checked fluid and oil levels for everything during this period of long distance travel, so didn't think problem would be from underfilling. Thought I'd let the engine run to get some heat up to check level anyway. As I was trying to limp in 1st to safer ground, I found it would now change normally, until I realised it wasn't changing into 4th.

Did transmission oil/filter change. Oil had it's colour and did not smell burnt, filter still looked reasonably clean, and nothing but the usual sludge and fine metal filings you'd expect around the magnet.

A few days before, I'd removed the radiator, cleaned and flushed, removed engine block plug and flushed. Put back together, refilled with good coolant. Temp gauge still sat on half or slightly over when up to temp.

Auto was definitely smoother, and after a carby cleanout and some slight adjustments to the idle/mix/accelerator, it's running better than it has in ages. However....

I still have to warm it up for around 10 minutes from a cold start before driving, or auto will not change from 1st. And still no 4th. I've worked out I use about 30% more fuel because of this. Frustrating.

I've gone through the manuals, scoured the forums, and have found so many likely causes/fixes suggested it's hard to know where to start. I'm hoping this description has a familiar ring to it for someone, and that they can narrow the field a bit for me - preferrably with reassuring happy ending.

maybe wrong oil ?, seems like once it warms up it thins abit and allows changing of auto

Sorry mate its a case of going through the steps in the manual as listed to try and diagnose the problem, could be many issues

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Originally Posted by Great Southern Camping

When you start the truck, the switch in the centre console for "Auto, Hold, Power" will flash. Count the flashes and sometimes it may be a known TCU fault code (I had 16 flashes prior to box overhaul as have a couple of other people, and whilst I thought this was normal, it isn't - it was flashing an error code; it is now fixed, TC replaced and only flashes about 4 or 5 times and is running like a bought one).

Other than that, the 4th gear is overdrive, and I believe there is a switch for that (not the lever switch) below the stick in the cover, or on top of the box with the ATP switch. That would be a good place to start also maybe?

Odd about the first gear issue though - like it hasn't got enough oil flow/pressure when cold which could suggest incorrect oil type as stated already - what oil do you run? Fully synthetic?


Scotty (Bigrig)

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Yes, fully synthetic, the nissan D equivalent. Problem was occurring before and after recent oil change. Previous oil change was done at a auto trans specialist workshop.

I'll just have to go down the list of 'fixes' and hope it's one of the less expensive one's. And I'm not sure if this is related, but problem arose at the same time as I began having issue's trying to run on petrol- think I've got a leak somewhere or dead fuel pump. I doubt it has any relevance, but I know nothing......

The pic below mentions A.T.P. and a 'lamp' but I have no switches or flashing lights. I've read about them so many times in different posts, and have never had a clue what a is being referred to.....

Dunno how to delete threads, but I've decided not to waste any more dollars on this vehicle. Not sure if I'll put a 'make an offer' sign on it yet or drive it to the wreckers. There is the exact same model from the same year with the same setup at the wreckers down the road from me (in better condition than mine) - I think I know why it's there now.

It is too expensive to drive mine in this condition, and the problem with getting out of 1st gear when cold will end up being terminal - and I'm not going down the rebuild road again. Nothing but a money pit. Never had problems like this with any auto transmission I've had before, these one's seem needlessly complicated. I'm sure these Patrols go great with a manual box in 'em, but too late for that now.

I wish all Patrol owners well. I'm a big fan of auto's over manual's usually, but I reckon these should be avoided at all costs. That's from my experience anyway.

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Originally Posted by soulburner2000

I'm a big fan of auto's over manual's usually, but I reckon these should be avoided at all costs. That's from my experience anyway.

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Disagree.... they are a great gear box just need to be looked after like any other gearbox,

When you checked your gearbox oil, did you do it warm and run it through the gears before checking????

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Originally Posted by NissanGQ4.2

Disagree.... they are a great gear box just need to be looked after like any other gearbox,

When you checked your gearbox oil, did you do it warm and run it through the gears before checking????

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Must have to get lucky with them I guess....Yes, did the check at temp and after I'd moved through the gears.

Really, I could've lived with having to warm it up for 15 minutes from cold before it would change aout of 1st gear, but with all the highway driving without the overdrive was killing me in fuel costs. The fact that everything was running hotter because of this would also cause alarm.

I've suffered hair loss on 3 seperate occasions over the last 8 years due to stress and anxiety issues (luckily it always grows back). The thing with this frustrating auto was leading to a 4th.

I'm vain, I'd rather have hair than a dodgy auto.....

There was another poster having similar trouble lately, after putting in Synthetic Oil in their GQ Auto ...... coincidence, or is it just bad luck.

I would re-check the recommendations for the type of fluids compatible with the Auto to be sure....it might be an easy fix.

Mic

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Originally Posted by happygtu

There was another poster having similar trouble lately, after putting in Synthetic Oil in their GQ Auto ...... coincidence, or is it just bad luck.

I would re-check the recommendations for the type of fluids compatible with the Auto to be sure....it might be an easy fix.

Mic

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I used the recommended Nissan Matic D equivalent. The problems were occurring before the change also - my main reason for doing it.

To recap, was driving on a hot day, stopped at a traffic light, and could not find a gear when I tried to pull away. Let it cool and topped up with a little fluid, seemed ok again. Next time I drove, problems were present....

So I went for a drive after making a few adjustments, to test things out and fuel up. Checked the transmission fluid level and this is what it showed. Holy smokes! However.....

I have found in the past that I NEVER get a consistent reading from one day to the next where my oil level is concerned - might show as underfilled when I check it tomorrow. This has been my experience; and yes I check it when hot. I've often thought the dipstick is the wrong type for the vehicle, but only due to the inconsistent readings.

sigh.....