Automatic Gearbox - Lurching

[AnnieD]

I'm hoping for some advice before I part with my beloved Avensis TR-X Semi Automatic.

Recently it has started 'lurching' when going into (what I presume to be) second gear. I recently had it serviced and can't say that I'd noticed anything before the service, but maybe it was doing it then too.

I took it back to the garage which serviced it and the guy told me that they don't deal with automatic gearboxes and has referred me to a 'specialist' garage some miles away.

Now what I have enjoyed about the Avensis (apart from the space and high spec) is its reliability. I have no clue about what lies under the bonnet - and even less interest. I just need something to go!

I am all set to get rid of the car but, before I do, I'd like to know if there is any likelihood that this would be cheap to put right. Guy at the garage reckons it could be £2000, which is more than it's worth!

Before I render myself carless (I DO need something cheaper to run!) has anyone any experience of this? As it is, I'm scared to drive it in case it suddenly gets much worse, rendering it completely worthless!

Any advice?

[B3rtie]

Hello.

I cannot claim to know much about that gearbox but will try help.

In general you should really take the car to a specialist if there is a problem with the gearbox or if you require anything other than a fluid /filter change - in the UK there are far less cars with automatic gearboxes than with manual gearboxes so just any service garage including main dealers may not be able to diagnose problems you may have. Having said this Bentley's in Warrington (Toyota main dealer) were able to diagnose a problem with my transmission OK.

Can you tell us all the work the garage did to the car during the time they had it and what you mean by serviced - did the garage change the fluid and filter?

[AnnieD]

Thanks for your reply, Robert. I wasn't even sure it had posted properly!

Sorry to be so vague, but I'm not sure exactly what the garage did, and I can't lay my hands on the receipt at the moment, Think it was just 'the usual', oil change, filters etc. They wouldn't have touched the automatic gearbox, I don't think!

I'm trying to get to talk to a guy in Glasgow who specialises in automatics but in the meantime, I'm scared to drive it just in case something happens and the gearbox goes completely.

Maybe I'm just worrying too much and it could keep going for ages. If that was the case, I would really like to have a replacement car before I give up my wheels all together!

Sorry I can't be more specific but thanks for taking the trouble of answering!

[B3rtie]

No problem for the response.

One of the thoughts on this which did cross my mind was whether the garage had done something by accident which might have caused the symptoms which you have now and which you didn't have before.

Has the engine check light illuminated on the dash?

[AnnieD]

No warning lights, or anything, Bertie.

I've just spoken to a specialist in automatics and he's going to take a look at it this evening.

Thanks SO much for your help. It's much appreciated! :)