S210 320cdi gearbox problem

[Mickybo]

Hi all,
I just carried out a full service of my car over the weekend, usual stuff like oil and filter, diesel filter, air filter and also fitted new inlet swirl flap motor as the old one wasn't operating properly, but I also decided to change the auto box fluid and filter.
Done the normal things like removed the drain plug and then took off the sump pan, cleaned up the sump pan and fitted new filter and gasket.
I then put it back together and refilled through the dipstick tube the comes up at the back of the engine with 2 litres of ATF which was the same as what came out of it.
My problem is that since I have done this the car would intermittently stick in second gear and not change up or down but just rev right out to the red line and I have to switch the car off and restart it and it is then fine.
Is there anything I have done wrong or is this common

 

[BlackC55]

You need to check the fluid level with a dipstick. Get one on eBay.

Then read the fault codes.

 

[Mickybo]

You need to check the fluid level with a dipstick. Get one on eBay.

Then read the fault codes.

Thought as much, just put back in what I took out with COMMA MVATF

 

[jaymanek]

2 litres isnt enough, you do need a dipstick on this model..

 

[Mickybo]

Thought it seemed a bit low but thats all that came out

 

[malphadour]

Its either a failing speed sensor in the auto box, or far more likely with what you have just done this is a typical behaviour and box with insufficient fluid.

Looking at specs it can take around 6 litres!!! of fluid if you have drained the torque convertor as well, but definitely around 3 litres minimum for the auto box - 2 litres is way under filled and you may damage the box and engine- you run the risk it will down shift at high speed and potentially red line everything in the car - the gear box will be the least of your worries when your engine tries to extract itself from your bonnet

The dipstick isn't too expensive (about £30 ish im told) and will make sure you get it bang on.

BTW I have experienced an under filled auto box - I discovered it doing 70..er..ish... down the M62 when it decided that 2nd gear was best.... much better than top............ suffice to say I think I broke the sound barrier knocking it into neutral...who would have thought a Zetec could do over 7000rpm

 

[Mickybo]

Got a dipstick and sure enough it was underfilled, I only did the gearbox and not torque converter and only drained out 2 litres??? thats why I only put 2 litres back in, but ended up putting in another one and it has been driving sweet now