P38 novice · Jul 1, 2012

Recently bought a Diesel P38 and thought it might be a challenge! and it is, my latest issue is with the auto box all the gears are there, the gearchanges are smooth and are made at the correct road speed, it can tow 3 tonne no problems but it just appears to lack acceleration through the gears if it were manual you would think the clutch is slipping but it can tow incredible weights if you give it time and patience, has anyone else experienced this problem or any ideas?

Saint.V8 · Jul 1, 2012

The Diesel P38, is a little sluggish....

I always remember a post on here I found when i was looking at a Diesel P38:

Post 1: Is the diesel P38 really as slow as they say?
Post 2: No....they're slower!!

The diesel doesn't come on song until about 2250rpm or so, don't expect much oommpphh before this....

I always found with mine, it would pull away ok, but to make progress, you do have to give it a bit of a prod.

Don't forget also, the throttle pedal travel is quite long, this allows for finer control off road, so do expect to have to push quite a way on the pedal to get her to sit up and take noice....

:welcome2: btw....

mark1971 · Jul 1, 2012

P38 novice said:
Recently bought a Diesel P38 and thought it might be a challenge! and it is, my latest issue is with the auto box all the gears are there, the gearchanges are smooth and are made at the correct road speed, it can tow 3 tonne no problems but it just appears to lack acceleration through the gears if it were manual you would think the clutch is slipping but it can tow incredible weights if you give it time and patience, has anyone else experienced this problem or any ideas?

my 99 dse gearbox went capput some time ago, that all started with it pulling off as if it was in 2nd gear so to speak, then revs would go up slightly between gear changes, i changed oil/filter and the oil was black and small bits of metal on the magnet from the sump (not good lol) i was told it had been towing something heavy and it had overheated the box.my 99 dse had fog lights on the front which i now know is not a good idea when towing as the n/s foglight blocks the auto oil cooler

basically the torque converter etc was breaking down and clogging up the gubbins inside the box causing allsorts of probs.
i would check/change oil and filter 1st and see if that helps

Datatek · Jul 2, 2012

P38 novice said:
Recently bought a Diesel P38 and thought it might be a challenge! and it is, my latest issue is with the auto box all the gears are there, the gearchanges are smooth and are made at the correct road speed, it can tow 3 tonne no problems but it just appears to lack acceleration through the gears if it were manual you would think the clutch is slipping but it can tow incredible weights if you give it time and patience, has anyone else experienced this problem or any ideas?

Check that the little pipe from the manifold to the MAP sensor located on the fuel filter is in place, not blocked and not split. Check the turbo pipes for internal delamination and clean the intercooler out.
What year is it? If it has a MAF sensor that also needs checking.
Having said all that they are pretty slow unless you floor the throttle

P38 novice · Jul 2, 2012

The car is a 2001 model, thanks for the engine tips, I will check these items because I'm sure it should have more power, but I am confident the problem I have is a transmission problem I have changed the oil & filter there was a little discolouration in the oil but the magnet was relatively clean and only a small amount of sludge in the bottom of the sump pan.

Saint.V8 · Jul 2, 2012

Try the Lucas Transmission Fix (can be got from the Bay of E)

Apparently it works wonders on 'boxes....

Datatek · Jul 3, 2012

P38 novice said:
The car is a 2001 model, thanks for the engine tips, I will check these items because I'm sure it should have more power, but I am confident the problem I have is a transmission problem I have changed the oil & filter there was a little discolouration in the oil but the magnet was relatively clean and only a small amount of sludge in the bottom of the sump pan.

If it's selecting all gears correctly, not over revving on the changes and can tow 3 tonnes, you do not have a gearbox problem IMO.

JotaPê · Jul 3, 2012

Your problem could be the torque converter slippage. Its a small torque converter and it slips alot. Try to drive another one and see if its different. The torque converter slippage in the diesel p38 can be frustrating.

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