mgf steptronic x reg

[dumbblonde]

hi. just wondered if anyone can HELP!!! i bought a mgf steptronic x reg 5 years ago... i had a new gearbox replaced after a year at the cost of 2k..after 6,000 miles i jumped in it after one day at work and no drive... it would select gears but no drive..rac took it home... since then its been sat on the drive for a year or so... it starts fine and drives some days and not others...i recently took it to a local garage who replaced the engine cam sensor... returned home mot done on it... after 1 day the car had the same problem..took it back to the garage they have had it for 3 months various test done, auto electronics etc... they said it was the ecu unit which was saying various fault codes.. 9 in total...now got the car home sat on the drive another auto electronic came out no outcome... can anyone please help i am at my wits end with this car love it but no one seems to know what the problem is...

[colintf]

sorry to hear of your troubles.

Others have had trouble with the same gearbox so may be able to offer help.

Personally I would contact Nick and Jean at Austin Garages (http://www.austingarages.co.uk/) to see if they can help.

I know people who bring their cars from overseas to Nick and Jean's, they are THAT good!!

[Keith Williams]

Moved post to the Technical Area where you may get more feedback.

[dumbblonde]

thanks for replies i have emailed nick and jean.. thanks colintf... and thank you keith williams x

[Geoff.F]

This gearbox is very reliable with main problems being sensors,the wrong oil being used or the oill pump drive (Repairable), What was the problem with the first Gearbox ??
The probability of two failures on the same car are minimal if not non=existant.
The gearbox is common with the BMW MINI so their local Dealership may be your first place for help.
Geoff F.

[dumbblonde]

hi geoff.f, thanks for reply and your input... i will look to see where the nearest bmw gargae is thanks... not sure what the problem was with the first gearbox i was driving it and heard a noise and lost all drive... rac came out took it to garage who said it was the gearbox that was knackered...i had a new one put in at the cost of 2k... after running it without any problems for approx a year and only 6,000 miles i jumped in it one day after work and this problem started no drive... its been going on now for too long no one seems to know what the problem is..

[Rob Bell]

Is the dashboard display showing a gear selected, or just blank? I wonder whether this isn't an electrical fault?

[dumbblonde]

hi rob bell, its blank... it was previously showing the gear selected but now its blank..

[Rob Bell]

Sounds electrical then - I don't have any direct experience with these, but from the threads I've read, it could point to a gear selector electrical problem (a quick search of the forum should throw up some useful suggestions).

[Geoff.F]

Sounds electrical then - I don't have any direct experience with these, but from the threads I've read, it could point to a gear selector electrical problem (a quick search of the forum should throw up some useful suggestions).

My first thought was that the original failure was electrical, the gearbox was changed and now the wire has broken again. A good clean of all the sensors and connectors with contact cleaner may be the first action.
There is very little on the Forum to read as they rarely give a problem.
During the MGR demise sell off I bought a new gearchange quadrant and cable assembly complete for small change just in case.
Geoff F.

[Rob Bell]

Very sensible Geoff

We do get regular, if infrequent, requests regarding the Steptronic CVT. Perhaps it is time to assemble a "Frequently Asked Questions" web page for this? I am very happy to do the donkey work - but I need help to do it, not least because I don't have a Steptronic!!!

[stux99]

Problem solved? Only just noticed this, I had similar problem and it was all down to multiplug on the front of gearbox- s good clean and all was well again

[dumbblonde]

hi stu99... only just looked again at be thread thought it had died of death...just like the car...could you explain a little more as to where i locate the multiplug? or if anyone else could help where i locate this? my dad had the facility to get this up on the ramps...any help guys please

[stux99]

Hi
I will PM you

Stu

[austingarages]

Front transmission multiplug is next the oil cooler pipes - needs to be twisted (like a bottle cap) to release...

[stux99]

Had forgotten about this one, any update?

[dumbblonde]

hi, guys not been on for a while... just seen these posts thanks will ask my dad to look at that one nick and jean...stu... its still the same its currently on the drive covered up so think its time to finally do something with the car now the nicer weather is here!! either cut my losses or get it repaired properely...
its just so sad cause its taxed and insured but frustrating cause i cant trust it to drive all the time of i go out in it... it still drives most of the time but arghhhh o well... thanks again guys ...

[Dammfast]

Hi

Have you tried cleaning the contacts in the gear selection sensor? Does the gearbox fault light come on? Have you tried 'waggling' the gear lever or pushing it towards the gear indicator lights? I am convinced this id the gear selection sensor. The gearboxes are generally strong, but the sensor gets dirty quite easily and everything stops. They are cleanable, I did mine the other day after a similar problem.

[Geoff.F]

Any progress on this.????
In the boot behind the LH side carpet lining there is an Automatic Gearbox ECU AND a ECU Fuse. viz. the heart of the gearbox control.
Check this fuse and then I may be able to find an ECU for you to try.
Geoff F.

[Tipper]

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

Fast Adaption Procedure

When a new gearbox is fitted, the ECM replaced or ECM EEPROM re-initialised by TestBook, the ECM needs to learn the positions of the ratio control motor for given engine speeds. The ECM will target 12 engine speeds between 1400 and 4500 rev/min in order to achieve this fast adaption.

Fast adaption is performed as follows:-

1. With the selector lever in D accelerate to 35mph (55kph) then release the accelerator pedal to decelerate without braking
2. As it slows down. The ECM will learn the ratio control motor adaption points. This will be complete before the car stops moving
3. If the gearbox reaches the lowest ratio before the adaption is complete, the engine speed will drop from the target speed to idle
4. To complete the procedure, accelerate up to a speed of more than 25mph (40kph) and release the accelerator pedal again. Allow the vehicle to decelerate without braking to enable the ECM software to learn the remaining adaption points
5. Fast adaption is complete when the ‘F’ in the instrument pack LCD stops flashjing and only the mode (e.g. D) is displayed

The ECM software continuously adapts to account for gearbox wear and fast adaption errors. The driver will not be aware that any adaption is taking place and driving will be maintained.