Has anybody done a full Auto transmission oil flush on these ZF4HP20 auto gearboxes?

I just had a warning light come on the dash for the Auto Oil temperature too hot.
Stopped driving my van quickly to protect the gearbox.

Not sure what I should do?
Troubleshoot further?


Was thinking of doing a full flush, replacing any gearbox filter etc?
Anyone done this or have knowledge for this gearbox?

So little info on doing this particular task for the Fiat Ducato!

I rang many auto transmission shop but really didn't have the faith in most.
Not many here know much about ZF transmissions. A select few do.

I decided I will try and level my vehicle and attempt at least to check the fluid level.
Might as well do this as an exercise before placing it in a AutoTranny service department.

I have MES and can read the transmission temps.
At least make sure the fluid levels are correct and then see if the error stays away.

Not as easy here as there is no dipstick.
My driveway is on a slope also. So I will fiddle with getting vehicle level.
I think I can find out fairly quickly if the fluid levels are wrong. That may solve my issue?

Contact ZF UK they have several locations in the UK , Main service point is at Crick Northampton .

Many don't realise just how big ZF is and how many vehicle/ construction manufacturers use there transmissions and running gear .

camionpilot said:

Contact ZF UK they have several locations in the UK , Main service point is at Crick Northampton .

Many don't realise just how big ZF is and how many vehicle/ construction manufacturers use there transmissions and running gear .

Click to expand...

The OP, IceVovo, is located in Australia!

Job to tell with the flag waving , suggest he contacts ZF in oz , 2 branches ,one of which is in Perth , this box has been widely used in a range of vehicles since 1995.

Loads of info out there [ some conflicting ] on the L/rover forums and elsewhere ...take your pick .

camionpilot

I actually did contact ZF.
I got some info.
Seems to be conflicting info on the gearbox.

There is a lot of technical info. Didn't get any on flushing the box from them.

IceVovo said:

Has anybody done a full Auto transmission oil flush on these ZF4HP20 auto gearboxes?

I just had a warning light come on the dash for the Auto Oil temperature too hot.
Stopped driving my van quickly to protect the gearbox.

Not sure what I should do?
Troubleshoot further?


Was thinking of doing a full flush, replacing any gearbox filter etc?
Anyone done this or have knowledge for this gearbox?

Click to expand...

To my surprise and embarassment, I seem to have accidently disliked the initial post in this thread. I can only put this down to a typo, caused by inadvertant pressure on the cursor keypad of my laptop.

Sorry IceVovo, I did not wish to detract from your plea for help.

4hp22 has been around for many decades.
A friend has one in a 1985 bmw 318i.

I suggest drain what you can from drain plug, top up to correct level, use vehicle for a few hundred miles, drain again, renew filter, clean magnets in base of gearbox sump, refit, refill. Doing so will mean about 75% of fluid and filter will be new.

That is what I did to friends bmw and she reported a great improvement in gearbox operation.

Intention now is change what can be drained easily (about half the total fluid) every 2 years.

Sorry just noticed you asking about 4hp20 oopps....

My suggestions above may still be valid and cheaper than paying someone for a full flush.

Good luck
Jack

Did you assume gearbox trouble because of a warning light coming on? With Fiat I would first assume warning light trouble.

You should have felt the box by hand especially the oil pan to see if it really was hot, which it may have been after a long steep climb. In normal use you shoud be able to place your hand flat agains the oil pan for a few seconds without discomfort. If you can't bear it for a second it's too hot.

Then check the colour and smell of the fluid which requires you to have a dipstick. If the pink colour is similar to a new sample and it does not smell burned or smoky then all will be well. The burned smell goes with a darkening to brown colour and indicates severe overheating has taken place.

Some makers these days are filling auto boxes for life and ZF may be one of these, but they don't say what life means. 100,000 miles is quoted by some but 50,000 is more reasonable and not a costly way of protecting your gearbox.

Towing is not a good idea in fact is a very poor one with an auto box.

Lots of good info.

I actually spoke to ZF specifically regarding sealed for Life.

I mentioned that the recommended ATF by Fiat is no longer made.
That explains why it is not on their recommended list.

Life means life of the ATF fluid.
or...if it gets overheated and burnt or damaged, you should changed it then.

Unfortunately for me, my high mileage auto gearbox seems not happy.
My van is not running. Car is stalling out in Drive. Stalling a lot.
This is after two warnings for Torque Converter Clutch transmission oil heat issues.

I just sent my data capture to ZF but the prognosis is not good for my auto gearbox.
Its not happy.

Communicator

Not to worry.
Alas,My fear of gearbox failure has arrived.

I am unsure if the overheat gearbox oil situation could be avoided?
I was trying to troubleshoot this methodically....but maybe it's time just came.

On a positive note, it failed just 40m from hm with no real warning.
I was able to even drive it slowly back on the driveway at least.
...could have been worse! lol

It did make me think that my van is so good, I want to fix the gearbox.