Transmission Help PLEASE

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rzracer

Guest
I'm really in deep now. My transfer case was bad and while bringing it to the shop to get replaced the transmission broke. I was sitting in a parking lot changing between high and low on the transfer and all of a sudden the check engine light came on and then I noticed it would not move when put in drive. Kinda like it's slipping, you can feel it sorta grab but not enough to move. The transmission works fine if shifted manually (start in 1st-2nd-drive) but will not move if it's left in drive. I was sure it was a computer problem since from what I understand the ****** is computer controlled and the check engine light came on at the same time. There were no funny noises when this started. The mechanic just called and said he earased the codes and the code said the ****** was bad and it's still the same. I don't have $1500+ extra right now on top of what I just paid for the transfer. The mecanic works at a place that 'specializes in Land Rovers' but it not a dealership. If anyone has an idea as to what the actual problem might be I would be very greatful! Thanks.
 
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curtis

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
1,545
0
Salt Lake City, UT
Is it a Disco 1 or Disco 2? If it is a D2 then it is computer controlled, but that is not your issue. If it is a D1 then it is hydraulically controlled. From the sound of it you burned up your A-clutch (Overdrive). My D1 was like that when I bought it.

A good rebuilt for a D1 is about $1250 if you do your own labor. I think about $1500-$1600 for a D2. The "own labor" part is not very fun, but better than the $1000+ you could spend on it. Nothing is too terribly challenging, but you will bust a few knuckles.

I hear this guy has a good D2 trans for sale ;)

http://www.discoweb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3921
 
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rzracer

Guest
It's a Disco II Curtis. Are you pretty sure this is my problem? When you bought yours it would not move when the shifter was in drive but worked fine manually? I just don't understand how the overdrive clutch would keep it from moving in 1st gear when the shifter is in drive position if the transmission works normally when shifted from the 1st position through 2nd and 3rd manually. I did not get a chance to see if it went in overdrive though so I don't know. Oops just noticed yours is a D-1 so I don't know if it's the same situation.
 
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curtis

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
1,545
0
Salt Lake City, UT
You might want to grab a Workshop Manual for a D2 just to be sure. If anything I can look at mine when I get home and tell you the diagnostic proceedure. But yes, the symptom is the same. When I tore mine down it was confirmed. IIRC, the symtom: Engages 1,2,3, and even D if manually shifted, but will not move in D from a stop is a clutch pack "A". I think another problem may have been a planetary gear set (sprag), but either way it is toast.

My D1 had this happen because the PO towed somthing heavy enough for trailer brakes. They probably left it in D all the time which is a big no-no if hauling heavy stuff. It is much easier on the A clutch pack to manually shift. When you leave it in D, the clutch pack "A" is always engaged and by virtue of ratios is the weakest link. I hate to say it, but once that clutch pack goes it does not take long for the trans to go out alltogether...
 
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rzracer

Guest
Thanks Curtis, your explanation is perfectly clear now. I guess it's a confirmed kill. The place that has it has a used one for $900 which wouldn't be much more than the one you put a link for once you factor shipping and the time waiting. I must say this is the worst experience I've ever had with a vehical. 3 months of ownership of a very clean 57k mile Disco with all service records done at the dealer and clear carfax = 1 bad Alpine stereo, bad transfer case, SRS light on, and now a bad transmission, all in 2.5k miles and never left the pavement. Ouch!! But thanks so much for the help :)
 
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rzracer

Guest
Yes Chris it was fine when I manually shifted into Drive from 2nd. Oh when I talked to the mechanic tonight he said when the transmission was in Drive and engine rpm reached around 1500 it would engage hard although I didn't notice this when before I had it towed to him.

I guess the only other question I can ask is if my transmission would definatly have to be completly rebuilt or just the defective part replaced?
 
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curtis

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
1,545
0
Salt Lake City, UT
rzracer said:
I guess the only other question I can ask is if my transmission would definatly have to be completly rebuilt or just the defective part replaced?
Click to expand...


Nope - complete rebuild. The parts are too cheap NOT to do the whole thing.

It is not going to last much longer either. I am not sure what a sprag clutch is, but what happens when the A clutch goes bad is that the pressure moves the whole assembly backwards which pushes the intermediate sprag too far in the C (I think) pack. This then toasts that pack as well.

BTW - that sprag is a POS. It is really nothing more than a little tiny freewheel. Sorry to hear your woes though. They really are great and simple rigs. I knew my trans was screwed when I bought it and got a great deal that way. Sorry to hear that you have had to experience this post-purchase.
 
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