Patrol '94 4.2 Auto Box ongoing problem

[Bushedman]

Dear Patrol Buddies.

I need some serious help I bought a Patrol, only trail ever done with it was Baviaanskloof, no real test there but it was a new vehicle to me and I wanted to familiarise myself with it.

A few months later, April 2011 the auto gearbox gave trouble and I started looking for assistance.

I was referred to Steininger Gearbox Services KNysna as a local expert after trying from Jhb to Durban & East London to Cape Town, I grabbed at it and on the owners return from holiday went to see him.

Problem after parking the vehicle overnight, no gears next morning, solution offered by Steininger was to free solenoid valves by running until warm engaging drive and revving, it worked! I was ecstatic and effusive with my thanks, thought I had saved a fortune prices without removal of box and shipping ranged from R14 000 to R24 000.

Ecstasy was short lived suddenly no 3rd (top gear) so the vehicle went in to Steininger against a quote for R13 000 to R14 000.

Collected at a cost of R17 000

The vehicle went back 4 times erratic functioning and solenoid assembly blamed Steininger new quote for solenoid valve assembly R15 000 but he could try to get it working cost R1 500 now we are up to R18 500, first long trip to Stutterheim and got as far as the long climb before Grahamstown, gearbox back to 1 2 & Reverse.

Another R4 000 to recover vehicle and deliver it to Steininger for another repair under guarantee this time. Additional cost R25 000 to buy a 1990 Hilux raider get it running and use it with A frame to collect the Patrol.

By now it is August 2012, (the vehicle stood on a farm outside Stutterheim for 5 months while I made plans etc.)and the vehicle is delivered to Steininger with the agreement that he would repair and test thoroughly before delivery back to me, I would use the old Hilux until that happened. Also told that it may need a new solenoid valve assembly and a new computer!

July 2013 collected the vehicle and was told not to bring it back again under any circumstances.

Drove about 2 km to nearest garage put in R400 fuel and drove another 1.5 km after picking my brother up ................... No 3rd (top) gear!

Now do I give up sell this Patrol for scrap, if I send the vehicle or the box in I may find out what is wrong and it may be repaired at a reasonable cost just by replacing the 3rd gear clutch band but it may be another R24 000 even buying a gearbox is a gamble because it may be the computer or the skyline solenoid valve assembly fitted by Steininger.

Tell me I am stupid OK accept but please tell me too if anybody out there knows why top gear keeps failing?

The reason for the long story is that I hope Steininger gets to read this letter!

Hopeful broke Nissan owner

So my dilemma is

[Clem]

Shew...

[Stefan]

If i were you the first step I would take is to speak to a lawyer and lay the new Consumer protection act on them.

[Clem]

If i were you the first step I would take is to speak to a lawyer and lay the new Consumer Protection Act on them.

Agreed.

[raka]

Have you considered a manual box ?

[Tinus lotz]

Peter man has a spare auto box for a good price it is avalible and will contact him to find out how much

[witblitz]

Wow, after reading this post I am a little depressed... I have a 95 4.2 with autobox which lives in the Eastern Cape and was wondering if anybody knew of somewhere that could give the box a good service as it seems to slip (almost seems that it takes a little to long for anything to happen after putting your foot down) although I have no reference to go on so am not sure if this is normal or if there is a real need to get serviced. Now I might just leave it be and live with it unless somebody has any suggestions. I think I'll definitely stay away from Steininger.