Autom. gearbox going into emergency mode

[crashtest]

Hi there,

I've just signed up cause I recently bought a 2.0HDI 110bhp Aut from 2001 and want to be up-to-date with all (mis)haps with it.

The first mishap seems to be comming my way as I having some trouble with the gearbox!!!

(rather extensive description below but I don't want to leave any possible relevant info out)

I've had it 4 times now that the gearbox switches to emergency mode, 2 times with rather big clunk (the clunk is mentioned in the owners manual so nothing's broken). As the manual states, its then locked into 3rd gear and you can keep on driving it at a max. speed of 100kph.
This only occurs within the first, lets say, 10 minutes of a drive and after restarting the engine (try doing that in the middle of heavy traffic on the motorway!) the gearbox is in normal mode again and working fine.
What I've noticed is that the emergency mode kicks in when slowing down (by releasing foot from the accelerator pedal) and at rather low speed. It looks like it wants to shift down to 2nd gear or wants to kick in one of the brakes in the gearbox. It does that with a deep rumble (as if you're braking with worn brake discs and/or pads)

Has anyone out there have had a similar experience and / or know what to do?

I've found something on a German forum and that guy said the first thing to do should be gearbox fluid renewal (though the manual states that fluid renewal isn't nescessary).
Next thing should be changing all solenoids and pressure difference sensors. (that will be costly I presume)
Anyone have a how-to on that or has done something similar?

TIA, as I'm great need of help on this as I do not want to damaged the gearbox (though normally it is hard to demolish an automatic gearbox as it is a sort of autonomous system)

[Welly]

Unfortunately, I can't think of anyone on here with an Auto

You see, the 406 was never popular as an Auto, especially for the UK market, we just don't like our auto's yet for some strange reason.

The fluid change I know is absolutely vital and I would start with that first along with the gearbox oil filter.

Many manufacturers (including BMW) sell auto's as 'sealed for life' but it has been proven that after 130000 miles or a few years the gearboxes will break down (expensive). Of course by then the manufacturer is not intereasted in your car as it is 'too old'.

I have read about the Peugeot Auto box being a bit troublesome, something to do with the ECU which controls it and the engine, but I would first look after the fluid and take it from there.

I know owners of older auto's have seen massive improvements in gearchange response and smoothness after changing the fluid.

[crashtest]

THX,

the pug is at the dealers right now to have the ECU read out to see if there any indication of what went wrong.

They found the rear end of the exhaust at 'end-of-life' (strange I haven't heard that. Must be because the pug is more quiet than the mondy I had) and they say that could be of influence on the way the box is shifting through the gears. And although I normally fix the car myself, they're now changing the muffler for me (it will cost no doubt), but I the car this weekend.............

I'm waiting on the outcome of it all.

[wafeeq]

Dear crashtest
for automatic gearbox, ATF should be changed every 60 K miles.
You should look for ESSO LT71141, it's the fluid recommended by peugeot.
If you don't find it look at mercedes, here it's cheaper at mercedes.
about the clunk, I can't help you but if that's what the dealer says.....
bye

[depeche101]

Hi Crashtest,
I have a 406 with automatic gearbox. Mine works just perfect (knocks on wood).
I find it quite hard to believe that the muffler has anything to do with the changing on gears. Mine's back part of muffler is basically dead (gave emergency aid with tape etc.) but it has had no effects on changing the gears...of course it might just be that it affects...but never had the experience..
dep