(Home) Masterace auto box problem

help please!.have looked at a grand saloon masterace surf 2.2efi 4wd 1988 that needs a good home as have always wanted one.BUT :the a/t light is on ,on the dash and will drive but goes through 1,2 then needs help to change down.will go in reverse also .as an auto,is this a common problem?,and does it mean a new box?,not mechanically minded and live in bracknell.not well off so dont want to take on too much!.thanks

- (#2224) mandy, 19 Jul 05 04:02

Mandy. As far as I know, the only A/T light, on the dashboard of a 4WD is the auto transmission fluid temperature indication. This will glow, with all the other idicator lamps, when you switch on but, will go out when the engine is started. Is the light, which you are seeing, the overdrive indicator? The auto box has a top gear which is called an "overdrive" gear and, on the back of the gear lever is a button. try depressing this button and you should see the light go out. The light legend says " O/D off" and this means that the autobox will not change into top gear, a useful feature when travelling around town in slow moving traffic or when towing. However, it's usual to have the overdrive switched in for normal use and, as your gearbox seems reluctant to change up to the higher gear/s, this overdive button might be the answer. Check that the light does indicate "O/D off" and not A/T as you mention in your posting

- (#2224) John Davis (Leics), 19 Jul 05 06:08

There is a second transmission-related light on 4x4s for high fluid temps "a/t temp" as I recall. But it doesn't control anything else.

And no 1988 townie has an electronically-controlled tranny, so it isn't trying to alert you of a fault condition either. I'll second John's advice.

- (#2224) David Miller, 20 Jul 05 00:58