Thread: 300 tdi auto problem

First check oil level as per instructions on gearbox dipstick, why are you engaging 3rd, put it in Drive, it will select the appropriate gear, up or down, you don't mention whether you are in High or Low range, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by deadfishdisco

hi all,
I have a 96 auto tdi with 200,000 km on the clock, unknown history.
Problem..at the base of a long hill I engage 3rd.driving up hill at about 2600 revs in 3rd , and revs suddenly drop (lose drive?) near the top of the hill.
I back off and can then resume gently till same happens again.
What is happening here? simple/or expensive?

thanks in advance,
robbo

thanks frank...
yes oil full, clean
high range on tar road
very long hill so engaged 3rd at bottom to see if all ok not towing anything.
although this did also happen in drive first, it changed to third for the hill and did the same thing near the top. ie appeared to lose drive and drop revs.
this is my first auto in over 40 years, so a bit cautious.

regards robbo

revs suddenly drop (lose drive?)

Revs drop indicates a loss of engine power or a gear change to 4th. Possibly a blocked fuel filter or a turbo hose delaminating inside.

Revs rise would indicate a loss of drive.

thanks bee utey,
yes definitely revs drop...I first thought a fuel problem when it happened, but with no auto experience I began to doubt myself.
and yes I would have thought the revs would rise with a slip...

turbo hoses look original so they will go first...

thanks again
regards robbo

If it was 4th gear, this would suggest lockup was being engaged just when you are getting off the throttle and speed was increasing at the crest of the hill. Has a 3rd gear TC lockup conversion been done on your transmission? If you are reaching the end of the hill, approaching 80kmh, this would be the point of lockup, then the sudden revs drop (as it is with standard 4th gear). 3rd gear lockup happens at about the same speed. If that's the case, lucky you - its an expensive modification.

I wrongly assumed you were off-road in C/D locked 4WD mode, that's why I suggested putting the box in Drive, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by deadfishdisco

hi all,
I have a 96 auto tdi with 200,000 km on the clock, unknown history.
Problem..at the base of a long hill I engage 3rd.driving up hill at about 2600 revs in 3rd , and revs suddenly drop (lose drive?) near the top of the hill.
I back off and can then resume gently till same happens again.
What is happening here? simple/or expensive?

thanks in advance,
robbo

thanks all for reply's

car is standard..no mods to transmission.
load on engine was consistent, ie no lessening of speed to gearbox...and didnt change to 4th. just sudden change to engine revs

as per bee-utey, remove fuel filter...was down by about an inch from top (?) and clean (no water)
filled new filter to brim with new fuel. tried manual lever on lift pump...mmm nothing,
spent 15 mins rotating engine but hand primer pump would not work at all.
presume this indicates weak pump...
also checked top turbo hose (ok) not yet checked bottom hose(s)
so plan is new pump, new turbo hoses and check again? seem ok?

many thanks to all
robbo