Thread: 96 300 TDi Auto Trans gear change

slipping clutch pack or lack of pressure due to a leaking internal seal or sticking valve.

could also be as simple as the kickdown cable is out of adjustment.

i had something like this many years ago when it was cold on a ford, turned out to be the kick-down cable needed lube.
with the cold weather contracting the cable it got jammed and after driving around 500mtrs the warmth from the engine would free it up and let it work normally

I also noticed my 97 Disco was reluctant to change up from first when cold and then the A pack clutch went and I could no longer drive due to excessive slipping. Mine was a result of the fluid overheating after towing and the early demise of the clutch packs. in my case the fluid was brown and heavily contaminated with fibers from the clutchpacks most likely blocking the governer as mentioned here.

Found this on the Ashcroft Transmission site:

I have a 4 speed ZF Auto and it sticks in first gear in the morning or when cold and is reluctant to change up from 1st gear. Once the gearbox has warmed up it shifts normally. Why?

The governor valve is sticking, which can be caused by contamination. i.e. clutch plates or other parts disintegrating. The fine debris finds its way past the filter and tends to accumulate in the governor, causing it to stick. A temporary solution is to remove and clean the governor. The problem will often recur as debris from damaged parts continues to build up in the governor. If the problem continues after cleaning the governor then it may be necessary it replace your Autobox.

We have noticed many customers reporting this fault starting a few days after an oil and filter change and after researching this using our experience and the expertise of others in the trade we have come to the conclusion that as ATF oil is a detergent type oil, when the oil is changed this will dislodge and stir up settled debris in the autobox which in turn jams the governor valve. In light of this although it sounds controversial it is debateable if changing the oil and filter is a good idea, some say if the box it going to fail it will fail if the oil is good or bad and their advice is leave it alone. I am still undecided but the truth is I get a lot of calls from customers thinking they are looking after the autobox by servicing it and a few days later this fault occurs.

Not the best news as a rebuild is around 4k.

As the other lads mentioned ReidT, be sure to lube the kickdown cable. That'll slow (and eventually stop) changes if its sticking. Mine seized recently and the lads here advised me that would be the problem. Mines always slow to change when cold but 500m's is a fair distance. As far as your driveway crawl goes, it sounds pretty normal to me. I've got a really steep driveway and I have to put mine in Low to drive out when cold.

I will go with a sticky governor or tight kickdown cable

JC