raks79 Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 Hi all, Just after a bit of advice, hoping someone can help - to be upfront I'm no expert, just a keen driver of old cars. I've a 93 non-turbo automatic, has been running well since purchasing around this time last year. My problem is the gearbox is stuck in park, I've managed to override this using the red manual button, however when I drive the car, it feels really heavy and the power steering is really tight, so I checked the steering fluid level, my dip stick reads "hot" and "cold". The current fluid level covers the word "cold" so I've ordered some Mannol Dexron II for automatics to top this up - but don't think that is the cause of the issue. I think unrelated, but the last thing I was doing with the car over the weekend was messing about with the fuse box as my cigarette lighter wasn't working, I replaced the 10 amp fuse on slot 10, and took out a fuse which I thought shouldn't be there - as the fuse box diagram on the back of the box was showing empty slot (usually used by Japanese for telephone according to manual). The fuses were fine and I took out the cigarette lighter socket to test if its faulty, haven't got round to this yet. Anyway since then I've put that fuse back in, changed the STOP fuse, as well as checking the brake lights are still working after reading up on that potential issue causing the gearbox to stick in park. Going back to the steering, I cant hear any whining noises when I steer, its just very tight, couldn't also see any lose hoses, etc. I'm sure the gearbox and steering issues are related - although not sure if the fuse box work is just a coincidence. Anyone have any ideas please? Really appreciate any information. Thanks in advance, Raks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 Reads like you could have a problem with the solenoid switch in the console which usually only occurs when someone spills their beer over the selector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raks79 Posted March 14, 2017 Author Share Posted March 14, 2017 Sounds like one from personal experience rider? Would that issue not mean the car fails to turn over? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 I have a really old vacuum driven auto box on another car so electronics and solenoid switches are a more modern thing altogether. It is something that can force a lock in park so just another thing to look at. You might be able to hear it if its working, if you cannot hear it that could be because its too quiet or its not working due to failure or lack of power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastcar Posted March 14, 2017 Share Posted March 14, 2017 Is the battery and alternator or AUX belt in good working order? Sounds like a lack of power to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raks79 Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 Cheers fastcar, i have had the battery and alternator checked, all is ok with the power element of things. Thinking it could genuinly be two separate issues - need to get the steering pump checked out first, as I can override stuck auto gearbox with the red button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rider Posted March 15, 2017 Share Posted March 15, 2017 Cheers fastcar, i have had the battery and alternator checked, all is ok with the power element of things. Thinking it could genuinly be two separate issues - need to get the steering pump checked out first, as I can override stuck auto gearbox with the red button. For the p/s pump first up check the fluid level. A little volume drop in the reservoir will make a dramatic its working to its not working difference. Have some Dextron III to hand. Then its down to is the belt tight, with no slippage. If you raise the front wheels and move the wheels from full lock to full lock then you should hear the fluid being pumped plus this will help bleed any vapour lock that may have occurred in the system if the level has been allowed to get a bit lower than desirable. If the fluid is brown or smells burnt it needs changing. Its unusual for the pump to fail so its a lot more likely to be belt slip or fluid related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raks79 Posted March 15, 2017 Author Share Posted March 15, 2017 Cheers Rider - is this ok to use - I had been recommended Dex II...? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332008353300?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raks79 Posted March 17, 2017 Author Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi all, Turns out it was my power steering pump after all, not sure about the gearbox, however need to find a replacement as my mechanic cant locate one from his normal suppliers, any ideas please? Appreciate any helps Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annabella Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 why don't you become a full memeber only costs ten pounds per year or £30 for life. Then you can post wanted ads and message people etc. Well worth it and keeps the club going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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