Automatics, what you got? whats it like?

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » 06 Jul 2009, 00:17

I may be having to part with mine soon as I have gone out on the road full time with a company car provided. Mine has the AL4 box and apart from the occasional 1st gear snatch, which seems to occur when the box is changing down to 1st and gets caught mid-change, I have had no problems whatsoever with the box. I have spent over £1000 pounds in the last year, renewing timing belt, water pump, all spheres (8), brake pads, battery, heater fan, rad fan etc etc. The car has 8 months tax and test and drives perfectly. Economy wise I get over 30 mpg on a run.

Keith

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » 06 Jul 2009, 12:50

We have a BX diesel auto, had it over 4 years now. OK it's now out of MOT now but I've been trying to find a really nice BX estate to transplant the engine and box into.
I have an XM estate that I use for my work, I could and did manage nicely with a BX estate for many years but the hatchback just isn't big enough. Other than that I could drive this auto round all day!

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 06 Jul 2009, 14:50

You WILL regret it !!!!

I haven’t yet, and it’s clocked up 202,000 km.
What are the circumstances of your getting rid of the Xantia; I missed out on that ?

Slugomatics are fabulous !

No clutch, no right hand jerking when you change gears, and you keep your mind on the traffic.
The manual cars I’ve had were problems with clutches, cables, synchros, gearsticks and rods.
The slugs … not a single problem at all ever.

Driving a manual car is operating a machine.
An automatic is gliding along. 8)

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 06 Jul 2009, 19:16

I think you are right Cloggz. I have went back to manual after 4 autos on the trot. 3 hondas and a Nissan Patrol Y60 No probs with any. Better for towing and none of the crap on clutch mechanisms like you mention.

There is a DIY method to totally flush your xantia auto. You just need plenty of fluid to do it.

Only downside is they can fetch 500 Quid more than a manual if this is owt to go by.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0440979094

vince · Post by **vince** » 06 Jul 2009, 21:26

Clogzz wrote:
Driving a manual car is operating a machine.
An automatic is gliding along. 8)

I have had an auto before...a 1986 2.2 5 cylinder Auto Coupe GT and i loved every minute of driving autos...

Gliding along is what i currently do in the VSX, but, with the hydraulic suspension its going to be amazing 8)

I have seen a nice looking silver one on autotrader, but its a petrol and from the figures you guys are posting up i think im going to hang out for a diesel...ive been spoilt now you see

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 07 Jul 2009, 13:02

a DIY method to totally flush your Xantia auto

I’ve tried running the engine a few turns to move the converter, but very little more came out.
When I change the engine oil, while I’m there, I change the transmission oil too; in fact an idea coming from Shane.^
Partial drain, of course, about 2.5 litres.

All the east-west engines that I’ve seen look like they’re designed for left-hand drive, with all the room for brake servos and short clutch cables in front of the left-hand driver, with no clutch cable clips to break.

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 07 Jul 2009, 15:17

CitroJim wrote: Also, but I may be wrong in that previously there was a 1.9NA diesel with an autobox but that would have been the 4HP14 hydromechanical that xantia_v6 speaks of.

Jim,

Early N/a Diesel Xantias, I think actually had the 4HP18?? Is that the one in the early XM's?? 4HP 14 I think was in the ealryer cars, IE 309, BX, 205 range.. I could also be wrong.. I think the 4HP 18 replaced the 4HP14 ....

Paul..

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 08 Jul 2009, 08:57

Clogzz:

If I remember correctly you actually remove the in and out feed and supply connections and use your 25 litre of fluid as the reservoir. You run it until the new fluid comes out clean.

This will probably take a bit more than the capacity which may be 10litres plus.

I did it on my big Patrol. You can rig something up to make it a gravity feed. Cleanliness is paramount........no wind or dust.

danielsydney · Post by **danielsydney** » 13 Jul 2009, 09:27

Shane doesnt like autos here in Australia. I have a MY02 C3 with the AL4. It did have a solonoid issue that was changed under warranty but now after 2-3 oil changes the gearbox is pretty good. I sometimes find it holds onto gears too long when going up hills in certain conditions but my French car mechanic said they are very good and he hasnt heard of any major issues as long as they are maintained properly and oil changed.