Brickers

1985 850 GLT with 104,000 kms

Flushed and changed the ATF using Castrol TQ Dexron III. Drained the ATF from the ATF sump and refilled/flushed 3 times via the dip stick tube so that the fluid in the cooler was also changed. The old ATF was not black - more of a maple syrup colour and it did not have a burnt smell. Refilled to the correct level on the dip stick.

However now I find that there are 2 problems: 1) when coming up to traffic lights or other stops the revs just drop away and the car stalls (this has never happended before); 2) on moderate acceleration the gears will not change up as quickly as before, unless I put the foot down hard.

When I was refilling the ATF via the dip stick tube I had to disconnect the air filter tube at the side of the radiator to get more access room. But I am sure that I refitted it correctly. I have looked at it since and it seems OK.

Is there a way of slightly increasing the revs at idle to make sure that the car does not stall at the lights, or would that be masking a more serious transmission problem?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Chris H (Canberra, Australia)

1974 144 GL; 1982 245 GL; 1990 745 GL; 1995 850 GLT