D3 sequential shift problem

[Tinman]

Hi All, Driving yesterday pushed the gear selector into sequential mode to negotiate down a large steep hill on returning it to fully auto mode, the gear selector moved back but the box wouldn't return to fully auto. Stopping the vehicle and putting it into reverse then back to drive fixed the problem. Further driving I tried it again same result. This time stopped the vehicle turned off the ignition then restarted it went to full automatic again. Is there a switch in the centre console or on the gearbox that could be causing the problem. Any ideas greatly appreciated
Cheers

[Graeme]

There is a sport/manual proximity switch in the gear lever mechanism but if it was still "on" when the lever was moved to neutral then I would expect a fault to be logged. If the pivot bush for the lever is worn then perhaps only when the lever is pushed forwards does the proximity switch get set to its off position. The switch is operated by a magnet attached to the lever so sloppyness in the lever's pivot can affect the proximity switch operation. Upshift and downshift also use a proximity switch each. The switches are not replaceable, being soldered to the circuit board.

Edit: I can set sport/manual using an external switch but if left set when not in D then a fault is logged and the sport/manual mode is disabled until a restart is done.

[Tinman]

Hi Graeme, If a fault is logged does this mean that until the fault is reset this problem won't go away. The lever placed into sports mode works fine but when the lever is pulled back the vehicle remains in sports mode where you have to change gears. If the vehicle is turned off and then restarted things go back to normal. I wouldn't think it would be slop in the bush as it is not that often that I use sports mode. If I remove the console am I able to get to the switch to check its operation
Cheers

[Graeme]

The switch is a small solid state component that has a built-in amplifier. Removing the console gives access to the selector assembly so you may be able to see if some object/rubbish is getting in the way of the lever's magnet.

If the TCM detects that sport/manual mode is enabled whilst not in D then there will be a message indicating a gearbox fault but only preventing use of sport/manual until a restart. However perhaps the selector electronics disables sport/manual once out of D thus not presenting conflicting conditions to the TCM. Can you confirm that selecting neutral cancels sport/manual?

[Tinman]

Thanks Graeme. Just had the console out on the weekend so I could get all the radio and power assemblies out so I could run power from my axillary battery to supply my Uhf. Looks like I will have to pull it out again. Will have to wait till the boss gets home with the vehicle to do more testing. When I had the console out on the weekend I noticed that when the vehicle was assembled from new they left wires crimped under the console. There were 3 wires were the insulation had pinched away exposing the bare copper wire. They have all been taped up now, this may have lead to problems in the future. Will get back to you about then neutral position. Many thanks

[Tinman]

Hi Graeme, Put the vehicle into sports mode drove then moved the gear lever back didn't go back to fully auto stopped the vehicle then shifted to neutral this caused a transmission fault to throw up. Shifting back to drive I was able to drive off in fully auto mode as normal. Repeated again and same scenario.

[Graeme]

Maybe you will need to make a concerted effort to check that there is no foreign material (esp metallic) between the gear lever and the pcb. The bush at the bottom of the lever can be replaced. I don't know if that involves the removal of the lever but if so then that would seem to be a way of checking for foreign objects.

[Tinman]

Hi Graeme, pulled the console out to have a look. Moved the gear leaver back and forth it worked as if nothing had happened. Changing from sport to full auto with no problems. Couldn't see anything wrong around the the shift lever. Got my compressor out and gave it a good blow out. Surprisingly how much dust and debris gets under the console. Installed everything back together and went for a test drive. The good news is could not fault the operation of the shift lever in and out of sports mode and manually changing gears. The bad news is have no idea why it has started to work again. But very happy with the result. MANY THANKS:)