31 replies to this topic

[bgrant570]

Year:1996 Japanese spec
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):Toasted auto trans

Hi all. Few questions regarding 1996 SPI w/ auto:

Is the manufacturer of the trans AP? Are they basically the same as the older (pre 1980) ones? If not, what are the differences? I know the shift pattern is different.

I have a Japanese spec mini and I believe the auto trans is toasted. I'm trying to gather as much info on the transmission unit as possible for whoever winds up overhauling it. I have an overhaul book from 1972 and a booklet from 1980. Both have lots of great info, but I don't know how much the tranny changed from then until '96. I thought they'd at least be very similar if not identical...but then I noticed that the older gear selector goes "R N 1 2 3 4 D", whereas mine goes "P R N 1 2 3 D". Do I have one less gear?

Thanks gents.

-Brian

Oh, and I WON'T be swapping in a manual instead of fixing the auto.

[Ethel]

They're both 4 speed boxes the 4 will just hold the box in 4th until you change down. I think the selector cable mechanism changed too.

[MRA]

P = Park.........

There are a lot of differences within the auto unit I think the major ones being the later ones did NOT have a tow start facility, whereas the older units did (I mean really old) and some of the later units had upgraded guts.....

I'll PM you some other info..

[Jimmy Hat]

If this is any use whatsoever, mines a 91/92, and its different again, mine goes R/N/1/2/3/D. Just so y'know there are some other different types than what you said

[MRA]

D is the same as 4 as far as the in gear experience is concerned............. and will allow automatic gearchanges from 1st to 4th (or D in some cases)

Some have Park,
All have reverse, Neutral, 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Some have D (for drive) and some have 4 (for drive)......

I think it was a marketting thingy... like the old 3 speed Mini has now gone to a 4 speed Mini, whilst staying almost exactly the same

A similar thing is the old V8i landrovers where 3.9L (3950cc) however, a later model was a 4.0L (3950cc) same engine differnt meerkatting

[bgrant570]

If this is any use whatsoever, mines a 91/92, and its different again, mine goes R/N/1/2/3/D. Just so y'know there are some other different types than what you said

Ha! Great!

by the way, the book I have is the "Foulis Overhaul Manual for AP Automatic Transmissions". I'm hoping that the transmissions are similar enough that this book can be of some help.

-Brian

[MRA]

Erm, the basics are similar but unless you have the correct manual it will not tell you the pressures, tolerances fitting instructions etc........ be careful how you take it apart and jolly good luck

[bgrant570]

Erm, the basics are similar but unless you have the correct manual it will not tell you the pressures, tolerances fitting instructions etc........ be careful how you take it apart and jolly good luck

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Do you have a good reference manual for this auto trans?

[Jimmy Hat]

If this is any use whatsoever, mines a 91/92, and its different again, mine goes R/N/1/2/3/D. Just so y'know there are some other different types than what you said

Ha! Great!

Happy to help

[monkey]

If this is any use whatsoever, mines a 91/92, and its different again, mine goes R/N/1/2/3/D. Just so y'know there are some other different types than what you said

Ha! Great!

by the way, the book I have is the "Foulis Overhaul Manual for AP Automatic Transmissions". I'm hoping that the transmissions are similar enough that this book can be of some help.

-Brian

I know this is of no help what-so-ever, but if/when you do decide to rip your auto box apart, hows about taking lots of pics and posting them up here so we can all see the guts of an auto box? I for one have NO idea what goes on inside one of them, and it would be nice to learn a little bit maybe

[Dan]

You may be able to get a manual or data from JP Auto Transmissions, they are auto specialists and I think they understand all the forms of the AP transmission.

[MRA]

The AP auto trans in the mini etc... is rated as being the precursor to auto/manual combined modern cars... as which ever position (except 4 or D) you put the stick in to it would stay in that gear this is irrespective of how much throttle, engine revs or speed you are doing....

[bgrant570]

Well, I took it out for a spin today and the only gear I have now is reverse. It won't move in any other gear. I think I'll be calling JPAT in the morning and see if they can set me up with what I need.

-Brian

[MRA]

Right ok perform the following where possible:-

check oil level - how did you check the oil level ?
check oil pressure -
Check the forward clutch pipe - behind the front panel
Check condition of clutch plates within the forward clutch pack - you maybe able to see once the front cover has been removed.. depends on model etc.

[alicetheauto]

I used to have an auto City (1988, R-N-1-2-3-D), with box issues. It really isnt worth stripping it. Many parts are no longer available for them, so if you do find what has broken/worn, chances are you wont be able to replace it! Also; the only diagram I found for them was in the Autodata book, and if you see how many parts there are it might change your mind!
Try swapping the entire box or engine, there are usually plenty for sale cheap as people swap them for manuals.
Good luck!!!