General Transmission oil

[DaveMcT]

Nice but a bit costly.

Gearboxes can be fussy about the oil spec. Oil that is too slippery can cause the synchromesh to crunch the gear shifts. If the required spec is GL4 then its best to not use GL5.

The correct oil is a lot cheaper than finding your Selespeed system plays up. They are well known for being fussy so just pay the extra tenner over a local motor factors and be done with it.

Direct and to the point but that's how it is.

 

[fourbie]

They are well known for being fussy so just pay the extra tenner over a local motor factors and be done with it.

My point was that I don't believe I have to use the oil that was originally used just because Fiat recommend Tutela.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111661700665?hash=item19ff8e5639:g:wdEAAOSwrVRd1mDo

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Well, at the end of the day we all make the choices we make and suffer the consequences. I just prefer to attempt to shorten the odds, other's are prepared to take small chances and others will bet the farm. I doubt if you're taking much of a chance with what's being talked about here though.

 

[rmjbn1]

I have had a quick look for access and can't even see the fill/drain plugs

The 12mm hex transmission filler plug on the front of the gearbox is a bit hidden by the plastic Dualogic reservoir, good post here describing how best to access it: https://www.fiatforum.com/500/488051-how-check-dualogic-gearbox-oil-level-add-oil.html?p=4604689

The drain plug is 8mm hex key at the rear of the 'box.

For what it's worth I got my two bottles of 75W/80 from Opie Oils: https://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-670-75w-80-gear-oil.aspx

You're probably aware the Dualogic reservoir specifies a different fluid, Tutela CS Speed, available here: https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=s...ct&ProdID=1161

There's a procedure for checking the Dualogic oil level as the system should be depressurised first.

 

[fourbie]

The 12mm hex transmission filler plug on the front of the gearbox is a bit hidden by the plastic Dualogic reservoir, good post here describing how best to access it:

You're probably aware the Dualogic reservoir specifies a different fluid, Tutela CS Speed, available here:
There's a procedure for checking the Dualogic oil level as the system should be depressurised first.

I am not aware of much of this so thanks for the heads up.
As the winter is coming I have decided not to pursue this as I will be laying up the car from 1st November. It is only a back up vehicle and not my daily ride and TBH it might not get put on the road again.

 

[irc]

Useful tip for leaving a Dualogic sitting for an extended period...
Instead of leaving it with the gear lever in the normal Drive position (as you would/should when parking), deliberately put it in Neutral, and chock the wheels with the handbrake off.
Especially if it's in a tight space!

No prizes for guessing how I learned this.

 

[fourbie]

Useful tip for leaving a Dualogic sitting for an extended period...
Instead of leaving it with the gear lever in the normal Drive position (as you would/should when parking), deliberately put it in Neutral, and chock the wheels with the handbrake off.
Especially if it's in a tight space!

No prizes for guessing how I learned this.

When at home I always leave it in N but when out I always leave it in R or sometimes D.

Unlike other proper autos this one, like so many other AGMs, is a pain. I have had three of this type now and not really liked any. I can guess what happened in your situation. I have had "proper" autos for maybe 20+ years and still prefer them. I doubt I would buy a car as my daily ride with this type of auto though I am looking at Dacia Dusters for my everyday motor for the future as I always drive only automatics.

I also never apply the handbrake as a few times in years gone by I have had the emergency brake freeze both literally and figuratively after a time in storage.

As it is, when the car is "active", I have wheel covers on mainly to reduce the discs at the front rusting slightly - living at the sea front it is a problem.

I am wondering whether to remove the battery as the car will be covered and I do like to give the battery a charge periodically. I think this is the first one I have owned that has a strap to hold it in place. :idea:

 

[irc]

It wasn't mine, but the learning experience was!

 

[koalar]

I am wondering whether to remove the battery as the car will be covered and I do like to give the battery a charge periodically. I think this is the first one I have owned that has a strap to hold it in place. :idea:

yes


A battery self discharges slowly even if its not connected to anything


Best to keep it topped up monthly

 

[fourbie]

yes A battery self discharges slowly even if its not connected to anything

I always used to but these modern cars sometimes rely on power to keep things working and when they stop getting it the restart becomes a nightmare. Is there owt that will give me worries if I power off?
One small item that comes to mind is the car's clock.

 

[koalar]

I always used to but these modern cars sometimes rely on power to keep things working and when they stop getting it the restart becomes a nightmare. Is there owt that will give me worries if I power off?
One small item that comes to mind is the car's clock.

you loose the adapted memory. The car starts fine on factory settings

factor fitted CD player is fine. factory fitted cassette players will need a code entering

clock and trip will reset

thats about all

mine was disconnect during lockdown fired up fine after 6 months.