The 'E' Type Forum

I have a problem with automatic transmition in MY1970 E-Type with 4.2 litre engine. When I start it, everything works fine, but after a moment when the engine and transmition reaches their temperature I can't change the gear. Does anyone of you know what could be the problem and how I can fix it?
Thank you!

I think we need more information . When you say everything works fine when cold, do you mean that you can select drive and the car will change up and down through the gears? Also, will it reverse when cold? When you say when hot you cannot "change the gears " do you mean that there is no drive at all in either direction ? or do you mean that it will drive but not change up?

Very first thing to do with a transmission fault is to check the fluid level . This requires the transmission usually to be hot and is usually checked with handbrake on and drive selected which ensures that the torque converter is filled

When cold, I can change up and down through the gears and I can drive forward and reverse. When it gets hot, I can drive but I can't select the gear other than the one I'm in.

By fluid level you mean oil? If the level was ok, where else to look?

Hi.... Whats your name......where are you located....as someone can recomend auto gearbox specialists.....is this a problem that has just started......or have you just got the car.....automatic gearboxs are very complex....there is a comprehensive section in the Jaguar manual about testing and setup....as a minimum use fresh oil and new filter

Also worth looking at the colour of the oil on the dip stick. It should be clear and red (I think) in colour. If it is dark coloured then it needs changing at the very least. Dark colours usually indicate other gear box maladies though so just changing may not do any good. Think you need to get the car to a specialist. As a previous poster says, the auto boxes are complex and best left to experts to diagnose and fix. Sadly if the box is faulty then it is an engine out job so be prepared for a very large bill.

By fluid level I mean Automatic Transmission Fluid level. No oil is used in a BW box or for that matter any other auto transmission . As others have said, it should be pink in colour and there must be no burnt smell about it if you sniff the dipstick. I am still a bit puzzled about your saying when hot you cannot select any gear other than the one you are in. Do you mean the lever will not move, or is it that the car stays in whatever gear it is in even if brought to a standstill ? Are you sure you are not selecting the D2 position, in which case the car will only use intermediate and top gears?

If it is sticking in a single gear , then it is at least possible that there is a governor fault which may be capable of being rectified without removing the box

I'm going to specialist later this week but I wanted to narrow down the possible failures.

I mean that the lever is moving but it won't change gearbox's position

I don't know your name, or city/country of residence, but do have a BW gearbox for free if you collect.
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Pete
Gaithersburg