I have a 1978cc TD Townace Extra which runs quite well or so I think. It does around 30 - 35mpg arpund town but since owning the car the gear change between 1st and 2nd sometimes goes with a dull thud. Acceleration is still there and this seems to only happen when turning into or out of junctions. Is there something wrong with my auto box or is it me being a bit hard footed. I would like to add that I don't wheel spin the car wheels when this happens(don't do it anyway full stop). - (#500) Russ, 11 Jul 01

If you're in "2" instead of "D", the change will be clunky. If not, check engine mounts and driveshaft joints etc before condemning the autobox.
HTH - (#508) David Miller, 11 Jul 01

Nope always in "D" being new to Auto boxes I know what most of them do i.e. P, R, D and N. I don't use 1 or 2 as I have no idea what these are for.
The situation is when the car is edging up to a junction and then I pull out. It happens when there is a lot of lock on the steering. It doesn't happen when I am driving around only sometimes when I wish to turn at a junction.
I don't know how an auto box works but if was belt driven then the sound it makes is as if the belt gets stuck and then frees itself to the next available gear. - (#517) Russ, 12 Jul 01

Selecting 1 or 2 prevents changing up any higher. Useful for using the engine as a brake when going down steep inclines or preventing changing up when trying to pass something quickly.
From what you describe, I would say the driveshafts would be the first place to look. Jack the front up and check for any loose play/grinding, especially at full lock, both ways, when rotating the wheels.
Ian - (#518) Ian Dunse, 12 Jul 01

This sounds similar to the problem I noted a while back (see my post "odometer" and the very helpful replies)where there is a noise when accelerating away from a junction with the wheel turned hard. The suggestion was that a plastic nut behind the wheel may have worn. The problem doesn't seem so bad now so I haven't checked it out properly - (#529) bill jones, 13 Jul 01

To all those who have an Auto Townace and are new to Auto boxes.
This is what the garage, works mechanic (who get filters for me at trade) and autobox specialist told me.
You should drive the car like you would a normal geared car. Use L and 2 not to just stick it in D and away you go. I know this sounds stupid and defeats the idea of having an auto box but the noise that was coming from underneath when using D was due to sticking gears (i.e. lack of use).
Makes pulling away at the lights more fun now and for all those thinking about fuel usage (Does 550Kms Urban 46Ltr). - (#685) Russ, 28 Jul 01

Umm, please don't take this the wrong way, but BOLLOX... All the L and 2 positions do, and indeed O/D off, is to stop the tranny from doing what it will do in D anyway... Fluid flow is identical. - (#691) David Miller, 29 Jul 01