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Letters to the Editor

Hi,

I was wondering if you could please help me.

My father has bought a 3.0l Scimitar auto, think its on a 'V'. This car had been garaged for approx 6 months whilst my father worked abroad. When he came home it was MOT time so I helped him jump start it etc. ready for taking down.

When taking to MOT place a fault became apparent, intermittently if you select D or R you rev and nothing happens, if you juggle between D & P (or R & P) eventually drive engages and maintains drive unless you completely stop the fault can then reoccur as you try and drive off again. I suspect the gearbox oil is low, as there is a small patch of oil on garage floor.

What I ask of you is an idiots guide to topping up the gearbox oil.

I await in hope.

Yours,
Simon

Simon,

It could well be the gearbox oil level being low. To fill the gearbox you have to fill it through the dip stick tube I'm afraid. I use a 1 litre bottle of auto box fluid which has the plastic tube on the top. This just fits inside the dip stick tube but it can still get a bit messy as you have to have the bottle upside down. Make sure you get the correct auto box fluid as there are 2 types. It will tell you in the drivers hand book which also tells you the correct way to check the fluid level.

Another thing that could cause the problem you describe is the vacuum pipe that goes from the gearbox to the inlet manifold. The rubber hose parts sometimes get old and split or the inside of the rubber hose collapes. It's probably worthwhile replacing the any way, I used some fuel line hose of the same diameter, and also check the metal part of the tube is not blocked. Also the "switch" on the gearbox that the hose fits to can cause problems if the diaphragm splits.

I hope that helps

Regards,
Nigel Warner

If you think you can offer Simon any further suggestions or ideas then please email editor@classiccartimes.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us page.