Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Mon 17 Oct 2016 20:02
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - Steven Little

For the last two years now when first starting up my suzuki vitara from cold it struggles to change up in gear. Even if I leave the engine to warm up for 10 minutes it still struggles to change high revving at 30mph. I would repeat by slowing down and speeding up again until it would eventually change gear! One it has changed gear once it runs absolutely fine for the rest of the journey. The gear box does have a slight leak yet the levels are fine.

Can anybody shed any light on what the issue maybe or how I can deduce before seeking repair?

Thanks in advance for any help given

Steve

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 17 Oct 2016 23:31
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - RobJP

Has the gearbox oil ever been changed ?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Oct 2016 08:39
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - Steven Little

I couldn't tell you. I considered this but as it's a sealed unit I was told I'd have to replace the gasket seal which in itself was £150. I thought I was being ripped off so was stuck with the idea.

Any help on that?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 17 Oct 2016 23:33
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - slowdown avenue

does it need topping up

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Oct 2016 15:20
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - Steven Little

The oil level is fine

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Oct 2016 15:28
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - RobJP

The oil LEVEL may be fine, but the oil could be 22 years old, and utterly knackered.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Oct 2016 15:46
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - madf

Change the oil first and - if there is one- remove the gearbox bottom cover and clean out the filter...

Use the correct gearbox oil as well...

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 19 Oct 2016 01:26
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - Steven Little

Ok I'll give this ago. The gear box is a sealed unit. Maybe a silly question but could I get away with using the same gasket or would I need to bear the brunt of a new one for what I've been quoted £150

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 17 Jan 2017 14:18
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - peter moss

Go onto ebay and search on there for the gasget ,be sure to buy the right fluid this is important ,drain from hot [wear gloves ] make sure you get it to the right level if you over fill you will damage the unit check out youtube for your gearbox there should a video on how to ,and check the levei when up up to temp ,

hope it helps !

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 17 Jan 2017 18:45
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - Big John

Ok I'll give this ago. The gear box is a sealed unit. Maybe a silly question but could I get away with using the same gasket or would I need to bear the brunt of a new one for what I've been quoted £150

No, don't risk it - change the gasket

Sealed for life gearbox oil bad news long term

Edited by Big John on 17/01/2017 at 18:51

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 18 Jan 2017 08:45
Suzuki vitara 1.6 1994 auto - Automatic gearbox - skidpan

Go onto ebay and search on there for the gasget ,

There are gaskets and there are gaskets. E-Bay gaskets tend to be cheap for a good reason which could be poor material or poor manufacture, either will lead to leaks and result in you doing the job again wiping out any cost saving.

Good quality pattern parts are available from established brands so if you don't want to pay Suzuki prices find a Suzuki specialist and get one from there.

BUT

If you itend to let a garage do the work let them supply and fit the parts. Then if there is a leak its their problem to fix, if you supply a cheap part they will want paying all over again.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

Will you have to pay the low emissions charge?

Use our ULEZ checker to find out if your vehicle is subject to ULEZ charges. Simply enter your number plate into the Honest John ULEZ checker to see if you will have to pay to enter the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Check your vehicle