I would really like to get to the bottom of this – dropping into 2nd gear / safe mode

[mac999]

If your getting a 3 lines transmission fault there should be OBD codes stored. I reckon you need a transmission adaption carried out,sounds like a gear position motor is at fault here.

I could put my STAR on it and have a look for you,where are you located?

[Big Performance]

David are you still in Cobham ?
If you want me to have a look let me know

[Hogster]

Many thanks for the kind feedback and offers guys

I'm in Leatherhead today (until about 1800) and tomorrow I'll be back in Godalming. Where are you chaps located?

Thanks again,

David

[Hogster]

Ah I've just found out how to read the OBD codes on my trip computer ... took me long enough!

The only code it's displaying is PO914. It's not listed on Evil's site, but on Googling it, it seems to be a generic error code for the 'Gear Shift Position Circuit'.

Useful, but it doesn't really say where the problem lies - is it because the motors are being driven incorrectly (where a transmission adaption would cure it)? Are the motors seizing up, causing them to draw too much current which then triggers the error message? Or is the gear selection mechanism itself seizing up, causing the motors to draw too much current? ...

The plot thickens? ....

David

[Hogster]

I spotted this whilst under the car this morning – does that look like transmission fluid has been leaking from the gearbox?

I noticed the same sort of stain on one of the photos on Evil's site so maybe it's normal ...?





Also here's another video showing the failure occurring (3-lines on dash) and then the 'reset' procedure where the gearbox appears to run (or squeak its way!) through all the gears before being happy again ...

http://www.horizonimaging.co.uk/smar...ge_25-1-15.mp4


Also looking at where the two drain plugs are on the gearbox (the upper one indicating the maximum fill-level), they're nowhere near the gear change mechanism! Presumably the transmission fluid gets splashed around the housing and coats the gear change mechanism, otherwise how does it get lubricated?

I've tried to undo the top 8mm allen-head bolt but it doesn't want to budge ... I think I need a larger allen key

David

[mac999]

P0914 = The signals from the incremental sensor of component M17 (Gear Motor) are implausible.

Means that you need aTransmission adaption carried out,I live in Swindon but I am mobile all the time

[Thrumbleux]

I've tried to undo the top 8mm allen-head bolt but it doesn't want to budge ... I think I need a larger allen key

David

A good point at which to stop.
I doubt very much that the box is dry of oil. Firstly, there would be more evidence of it having leaked, secondly the gears would be making one hell of a racket during driving. Also, the noises you are hearing are emanating from components much lighter than the heavy parts in the box IMO, and sound much more like they are from electrical components. Dry selector motor bearings/bushes, clutch fork pivots, etc, - those types of things.
You could consider removing the motors and checking them but (like the 450) if they have position sensors, I'd guess they have to be refitted with the armature in exactly the same position (wrt to rotation) as when removed.
I'd bet money the nearest to the box the problem is is in the selector motors - or further external.

[tolsen]

Could be the usual chaffed cable problem. Suggest you inspect wires to gear change motors.

[Hogster]

Thanks so much for your help guys, don't know what I'd do without you

mac999 - would you be able to come to Godalming next week sometime to have a look at it?

I've got a diagnostic appointment at Smart Specialist Guildford a week tomorrow, but the sooner I can get this sorted the better, and it sounds like we're on the right track now...

Many thanks again, David

PS. Big Performance - whereabouts are you based? Would you also be able to help out with this transmission adaption if you're nearer?

[Hogster]

Just wondering –– if it is something to do with the transmission needing to be 're-taught', why does the problem seem to disappear a) after a prolonged period of driving, and b) when it's warmer outside?

The low temperature must be causing something to be stiffer / harder to operate than usual. Or perhaps the cold is exacerbating a problem that has been there all along? I've had this problem for the last 3 winters now so it's not like it's only cropped up recently ...

tolsen – yes I'll certainly have a look at that too. Are the wires easy to see from underneath the engine?

Many thanks again for your help everyone

David

[mac999]

Yeah I can come any day you want to take a look at it for you

Tel: 07813626249

[Big Performance]

David I did send you a private message !

[Hogster]

Hi Ian,

Oh! I didn't see that you'd sent me one – I had no email alert nor popup when I visited the site

Mac is popping down to see me this afternoon but I'll certainly let you know if I need any help in the future

Many thanks,

David

[Hogster]

Well Mac visited me this afternoon and after changing the gearbox fluid (as a precautionary measure, given the car has now done 67k miles) and re-teaching the transmission I'm unable to reproduce the problem!

I'm relieved but I won't get too excited until I've driven for several more days in the conditions which produced the original problem (any day that it's cold basically!). It was encouraging that I couldn't trigger the fault simply by changing gear whilst the car was stationary with the ignition on though

Thanks again to Mac for coming to my aid!

David

[mac999]

Had a pleasant drive back on the country roads from Surrey,hope this is the end to your problems.

You have my number now,if you require any further assistance.