Thread: ZF4HP22 not locking up

Is it not getting to 4th? Or just not locking up?

Anyway, yes, I would pick valve block problems. Could be TC but probably valve block. It has a dedicated lockup section.

gets to fourth but wont lock up, tacho rises fast instead of at engine speed.
I do have another 2nd hand working box i could swap the valve bodies over

If you end up with a spare valve block - let me know. I've been trying to find a problem for a while and this would help.

In any case, I would recommend to pull the lockup block and check that before substituting. It's very easy to get to with the main valve block out. The nice thing is there is a dedicated base plate with at least one very small orifice.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...ckup_valve.jpg

Have you checked the trans oil correctly, when cold at idle in neutral, sounds like lack of oil, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by redrovertdi

300 tdi zf4hp22 not locking in top, over the last couple of weeks i have had to bump the shifter back to 3rd then Drive for the torque convertor to lock up, tonight it wouldnt lock up at all.
My question -is it the torque convertor, a sticking valve in the valve body[that i could swap bodies over] or in the main structure of the box?
Mileage of the box is unknown and kick down cable is fine

Originally Posted by redrovertdi

300 tdi zf4hp22 not locking in top, over the last couple of weeks i have had to bump the shifter back to 3rd then Drive for the torque convertor to lock up, tonight it wouldnt lock up at all.
My question -is it the torque convertor, a sticking valve in the valve body[that i could swap bodies over] or in the main structure of the box?
Mileage of the box is unknown and kick down cable is fine

Just got my 300TDI back from Footscray Automatics - it was in to replace a cracked flex plate - didn't have the time or wherewithall to attack this solo. While it was there I asked them to look at three other things - sometimes started in second gear, especially when warm; sometimes did not lock up, especially when cold - had to hold third till 100kph then up to 4th to force it to lock, but only with the first change of the day, when it was warm it was OK; sometimes lost reverse, totally random. These were all annoying issues but were being only just tolerated, with the opportunity of having it in the shop I chose to get them looked at.

BTW, fluids were all OK, even did a filter and fluid change before the flex issues arose - No effect.

First - flex plate was badly cracked, all around the crank. The movement had led to some TC spline damage too. Both now fixed. I'll submit a photo soon in the thread I started for this issue trying to guess what this was - sounded like someone shaking one ball bearing in a tin can. Different from the can full of marbles of the usual diesel sound.

Second - while it was out, got the transfer case sealed up, and with it off they looked at Governor Valve - one of the two seals was broken. With that back in, still had the same problems.

They pulled the valve body, found a broken spring (more like a mashed together pair of springs), replaced it. Problem still there. Ended up substituting another valve body and problem went away. So, as you have inferred - your lockup problems, if the same as mine, seem to point toward the valve body.

Just a side note: While you have got the left TC mount off, modify it so you can get the last auto pan bolt out without moving the mount. Involves reasonably minimal cutting work, and save time with servicing later.

Good luck with your problems. Simon

Today the same dramas and then lock up and was good, coming home on the pacific motorway all working well until gateway exit[drop below 80] and then had to bump d-3-d-3-d until lock up and same again after gateway bridge.
I will swap out valve bodies later in the week befor i swap the whole box over.
damienb i have a valve body with a broken spring that had water in it[got from a friend who had been dudded] if you want it to play with.
towing trailer home tonight i hit the bruce at carseldine and it locked up perfectly so hoping i can getaway with just the valve body swap

Swapped over valve bodies this arvo and no difference, no lock up, must be torque convertor so will swap tranny & TC over on the week end.......yay