mgf steptronic x reg

[Rob Bell]

Interesting. Is the ECU automatically in "Fast Adaption" mode, or is there a procedure to get it into this state Tipper?

[Geoff.F]

If you change the ecu then you will need to do the 'Fast Adaption' procedure, ie,:-

We need to get some current and the Indicator Lights on 1st.

[Tipper]

Interesting. Is the ECU automatically in "Fast Adaption" mode, or is there a procedure to get it into this state Tipper?

I have no direct experience on my Steppy, but I think if there is a mismatch between the ecu and the gearbox caused by either being changed then the flashing 'F' appears in the display indicating 'Fast Adaption' is needed.

No idea if you can force 'Fast Adaption' to be required or its display but maybe Testbook can do this?

[Tipper]

If you change the ecu then you will need to do the 'Fast Adaption' procedure, ie,:-

We need to get some current and the Indicator Lights on 1st.

That would help!

[dumbblonde]

hi everyone, thanks for all your input....the car is currently in my local mg specialist garage although i use the word specialist lightly....its been with them for over a week and they are bringing it back without getting any further with the problem... currently waiting for it to be brought back on low loader tomorrow.. they dont know what the problem is they have done t4 diagnostics which havent recorded any fault... they are assuming its something to do with low pressure!!! telling me its the gearbox once again... i have explained in detail the problem when it went in and explained it was a new gearbox and only done 6000 miles....arghhhh i am just banging my head on a brick wall well it feels like that anyway....no fault lights come on at all... it just seems like a never ending money pit!!! my feeling is now just to try and sell it as it is which is a shame as i spent loads on it...

[Rob Bell]

Try Nick at Austin Garages - unfortunately I happen to know they're booked up until after easter and they're not exactly local, but I've heard many good things about them.

Another option would be to chat to Mike Satur, who is at least a bit more local, but I don't know how much experience he has with the Steptronic gearbox.

A third option would be to approach a Getrag automatic gearbox specialist. Remember, unlike other gearboxes used by MG Rover, this one was bought in from a gearbox OE manufacturer (Getrag), and the gearbox is shared with other cars (such as the BMW Mini).

I am no expert in these gearboxes by any means, but most forum posts about "gearbox faults" actually relate to electrical issues such as oxidised contacts rather than a mechanical problem.

[dumbblonde]

Hi, just a quick update car is back now... They drove it home!!!! He has given me the t4 diagnostics and he is convinced it's nothing electrical but i wasn't holding my breath... He is still saying pressure in the pump...arghhh does anyone know anything about this pump that is located in the gearbox please??? rob thanks again for your input.. I have been in touch with jean and nick previously and they thought it could be the prnd switch if I could get it to them they would look... It's just getting it to them with the distance.. Maybe I should seek some advice re the getrag gearbox maybe my local BMW garage but more expense..

[Tipper]

The same gearbox was used in the first BMW MINI automatic so they may be able to help. Unfortunately there is little knowledge or experience evident in UK garages.

You need to ensure only the correct oil is used, Mobil (was Esso) EZL799a. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. BMW MINI garages stock it albeit at BMW gold plated prices!

It is said the oil pump can be changed in the car but I have no experience. 'Scorched' over on MG-Rover.org has stripped and repaired a gearbox.

BTW the gearbox is not Getrag it's ZF designed now manufactured and sold by Punch Powertrain in Belgium. Same factory sold off by ZF that used to make the DAF rubber band CVTs!!

[Rob Bell]

Oops sorry, you're right. Getrag do the non-R65 manual gearboxes for Mini, hence my confusion! Must be my advancing age

Plenty of ZF gearbox specialists around - although not all will have experience with the CVT, but this could be your next port of call.

[Tipper]

There may be ZF specialists but do they even understand how a CVT works?!

Punch Powetrain claim some 'specialists' in the UK on their website but not sure if they will do much more than just fit a new gearbox!

[Rob Bell]

Unfortunately, with labour rates as high as they are, unless someone knows what they're doing and can do it quickly, it might work out cheaper to do that!

Thing is, is this really a gearbox problem? You'd be very unlucky to have two fail so quickly surely? And if they have failed, then I'd want to know why or otherwise run the risk of ruining a third in short order...

[Mykel]

Hmm, low oil pressure ... when has the gearbox oil filter last been changed? I don't know too much about those CVT boxes but I seem to remember that these filters have to be replaced regularly so the oil circuit won’t get blocked.

[dumbblonde]

Hi guys, thanks again for all your input... The garage it's just been to said that the oil, filter and magnet?? Where all fine!! No shavings and no sign of wear... My feeling is I am just going to try and sell as it is.. Not sure I will have much luck though, not sure which is the best way to get rid either???

[Geoff.F]

Do not give up as Gill-T has finally fixed her starting problem.
back in October you replied to Rob that you were not getting a "Gear Status" on the Speedo showing an electrical fault. What is happening now ??.
You may carry out a simple check.
Ensure that the battery is good. ie. it easily starts the engine. With engine "Off"
Gear set at "P" Ignition on. "P" Red Light on gear Quadrant Lit. Speedo shows "P"
"R" "R" "R"
"N" "N" "N"
"D" "D" "D"
Move Gear Lever Left. "S +-"" "D Sport"
Move Gear Lever Forward "S +=" "2 Sport"
Move Gear Lever Rearward "S +-" "1 Sport"
Move Gear Lever Back Right. "D" "D"

If it is driveable, accelerate hard and notice if the RPM is limiting at 3500 ie. The gearbox is in "Default" Mode.
The "Gearbox Failure Light" is the 2nd up on the RH Side. The one above the Rear Fog Light Indicator.
This should show if the problem is Electrical or Mechanical.
Geoff F.

[dumbblonde]

Hi Geoff', all the indicators are fine... All the p d r n and sports lights do light as they should sports mode and paddles work fine...no fault lights come on!!! The guys from the garage drove it back the other day and he tested out the paddles and sports mode no problems... It's a new battery 2 weeks ago.. Will have to try and get it moving to test the 3500 rpm to see if the fault light does come on thou... Thanks for your input any help is Greatly appreciated...

[Phil Jay]

Can I suggest you try to get the car to Nick and Jean at Austin Garages. They are fantastic on MG Rover cars. There's very little Nick cannot tell you about these cars or gearboxes. My wife's ZR is a Stepspeed and it is a fabulous gearbox. When Nick had it it last time it had a metallic rattle on tickover before engaging drive. Not a fault, just something a lot of them apparently do, but Nick has an upgrade which cured this issue. I can't recommend them highly enough. I know Burton is along way from Yorkshire, but there are plenty of companies that will transport it for you. I'm having an MGF collected by a guy from Blackburn this week - it's being shipped to Canada would you believe - so could give you his number to get a price. Don't give up on it, they're fantastic cars. Good luck, Phil

[Geoff.F]

If you have all the "Gear Status" lights working, then power is restored to the Gearbox ECU making it work again hence it is all go. I would suggest that you drive it around locally, maybe within tow home distance, until confidence is restored.
Regardsless of the condition of the gearbox, brand new or a load of scrap, these lights should work so if the problem returns then this is the first check to carry out.
Enjoy it.
Geoff F.

[dumbblonde]

Hi guys, thanks once again for input... The gear lights have always worked its just the fact that some days you can jump in it and it will drive and other days its not.... It's been to 3 different garages now and no one knows what the problem is! Nick and jean do seem the only option but after the expense of 3 garages its more expense to pay out... My dad is going to try again this weekend to get it up on the ramps and check all the sensors once again but the last garage had checked all that i believe... I don't want to get rid if I could finally solve the problem but without spending more money am not sure what the option is... I have just been out locally in it and it was fine but yes it's about trust...if I do decide to try and sell it as it is... Do you guys think it would be best to sell as spares?? Or try and sell it for best price and list it's faults... Phill I may pm you after weekend if I have a change of heart for price to get it to nick and jean ... I really wish I knew which way to go with it thanks again guys

[Tipper]

If you have all the "Gear Status" lights working, then power is restored to the Gearbox ECU making it work again hence it is all go. I would suggest that you drive it around locally, maybe within tow home distance, until confidence is restored.
Regardsless of the condition of the gearbox, brand new or a load of scrap, these lights should work so if the problem returns then this is the first check to carry out.
Enjoy it.
Geoff F.

Please, please, DON'T TOW IT !!!!

There will be no lubrication in the gearbox due to the oil pump not running which will definitely wreck the gearbox.

Only rear lift towing is possible but this will probably rip off the front bumper by dragging it along the road!

[purplebargeken]

I wonder if you have breakdown cover? If so you might 'break down' and request that it be taken to a specialist such as those mentioned above. Just a thought.