Automatic gearbox reliability thoughts
Moderator: RichardW
Automatic gearbox reliability thoughts
Hi
Can anybody give me their thoughts on reliability of the auto gearbox fitted to a 2.1TD XM mid 90's car. I am not sure whether to go manual or Automatic route. I like the idea of auto but am worried abut reliability on a car that is bound to have around 150K on it. Apart from a test drive and listening for obvious noises are there any specific things one can do to test the gearbox?
Thanks
Can anybody give me their thoughts on reliability of the auto gearbox fitted to a 2.1TD XM mid 90's car. I am not sure whether to go manual or Automatic route. I like the idea of auto but am worried abut reliability on a car that is bound to have around 150K on it. Apart from a test drive and listening for obvious noises are there any specific things one can do to test the gearbox?
Thanks
-
- Posts: 1801
- Joined: 19 Dec 2002, 14:46
- Location: United Kingdom
- My Cars:
The XM auto has had a question mark over its reliability if I recall correctly.
I think that it has been known to blow its little microprocessed mind expensively.
Buy with extreme caution at 150k. Manuals are sound as far as I know and much as I like autos, I'd think a stickshift would give better peace of mind.
I think that it has been known to blow its little microprocessed mind expensively.
Buy with extreme caution at 150k. Manuals are sound as far as I know and much as I like autos, I'd think a stickshift would give better peace of mind.
Manual XM gearboxes comfortably exceed 500,000 km - given normal service. Auto's are an entirely different kettle of fish . . . Since Citroën never included any relevant servicing instructions for the auto box except changing oil, then its been up to the owner/educated garage to see that proper service was performed.
For example; the Saab 9000 of the same vintage had the same ZF auto box: Saab published a complete manual just for this box(!?) - it's available as a pdf - I've got a copy but nowhere to publish it and can't remember where I picked it up (!) Its about 6Mb.
IF the auto box was given the proper maintenance, then it should last well - but . . . who knows?
//NiSk
For example; the Saab 9000 of the same vintage had the same ZF auto box: Saab published a complete manual just for this box(!?) - it's available as a pdf - I've got a copy but nowhere to publish it and can't remember where I picked it up (!) Its about 6Mb.
IF the auto box was given the proper maintenance, then it should last well - but . . . who knows?
//NiSk
Contents: ATSG technical service information
Shift points at min throttle
Shift points at max throttle
Max kickdown shift points
Line pressure check
Brake band adjustment
Clutch and brake band application for all gears
Hydraulic operation description (6 pages)
Main valve body (shematic, 2 pages)
Upper valve body, shematic
Lower valve body, shematic
Main valve body orifice and ball location
Transfer plate orifice and ball location
Main valve body check ball location
Specific Saab 9000 Turbo operation (added shift overlap to compensate for additional torque)
Fault finding:
- No 3>4 or stacked 3>4
- harsh engagement into drive and harsh 4>3 downshift
- delayed or no reverse
- no forward, good reverse
- delayed forward engagement or premature failure of forward clutch
- transmision shudder when comimng to stop
Exploded view diagrams of gearbox (12 pages)
Hydraulic oil shematics (6 pages)
If you're really interested.
//NiSk
Shift points at min throttle
Shift points at max throttle
Max kickdown shift points
Line pressure check
Brake band adjustment
Clutch and brake band application for all gears
Hydraulic operation description (6 pages)
Main valve body (shematic, 2 pages)
Upper valve body, shematic
Lower valve body, shematic
Main valve body orifice and ball location
Transfer plate orifice and ball location
Main valve body check ball location
Specific Saab 9000 Turbo operation (added shift overlap to compensate for additional torque)
Fault finding:
- No 3>4 or stacked 3>4
- harsh engagement into drive and harsh 4>3 downshift
- delayed or no reverse
- no forward, good reverse
- delayed forward engagement or premature failure of forward clutch
- transmision shudder when comimng to stop
Exploded view diagrams of gearbox (12 pages)
Hydraulic oil shematics (6 pages)
If you're really interested.
//NiSk
You live and learn. I never knew the Cit Autobox and the SAAB one were the same. My SAAB box was still going strong at 170k odd miles when its engine gave out. Regular oil changes and the kickdown switch was all it needed. I'd imagine it would be strong enough for the 2.1TD as the SAAB pushed out some power when booted. Does the Cit have the auto gear oil cooler pipe in the rad like the SAAB does? This is another consideration in view of the poor quality of Cit radiators - you don't want an auto box that has any coolant in it in the past.
-
- Posts: 205
- Joined: 10 Nov 2004, 23:30
- Location: United Kingdom
- My Cars:
-
- Posts: 229
- Joined: 10 May 2004, 23:32
- Location:
- My Cars:
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Paulxmski</i>
Sorry to contradict you Kowalski but according to my book on the Citroen it does share the floorpan with the AF164 & Saab 9000 [;)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Very interesting. I would love to one day see one of these Citreons (sic) in the flesh...
Sorry to contradict you Kowalski but according to my book on the Citroen it does share the floorpan with the AF164 & Saab 9000 [;)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Very interesting. I would love to one day see one of these Citreons (sic) in the flesh...