Auto box reliability

Georgeseccombe

Georgeseccombe

New user
Nov 1, 2020
6
33
Gloucestershire
Hi guys, long time lurker on this forum and a lover of these cars ever since I passed my driving test 14 years ago. I had my first when I was 18, one in between and I’m now on my third at 31.

This one is a real beauty, bought from a fellow member on here called Gareth. It’s a black auto X pack on 73k miles and it runs beautifully.

I’ve read that the auto boxes on these are pretty unreliable and can’t be expected to reach high mileages, which scares me a bit as i’m going to be using this car as my daily, and would love to keep it going for as long as is possible, so I just wanted to reach out for some clarification.

Has anyone had the auto box rebuilt on their cougar rather than having it replaced?

What kind of mileages have you guys had from your autoboxes?

How easy is it to source a second hand auto box? I’ve no idea what other cars it was used in other than the cougar.

Of course there’s always the option of getting a cheap donor cougar that hasn’t done huge mileage, with no guarantee of the box being any good.

Just trying to plan ahead, it’s probably not worth worrying about yet but I’d like to be prepared for the inevitable…

Cheers guys
 
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Welcome George.
As far as I know, the box is no more or less reliable than others of that era - I would imagine regular fluid changes (I'm not sure of the recommnded interval) would be the best way to sorting it. I'm sure they're a lot better than those on the series of automatic Renaults I once owned......
It was produced (I think under the model name CD4E) for at least ten years, and used in various Fords and Mazdas, so likely to be fairly plentiful secondhand, although I would think buying a rebuilt unit should the worst happen would be better. Rebuild kits are available, so any decent auto gearbox specialist should be able to assist - a quick Google reveals prices around £1300 for a a fully rebuilt unit.
 
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Hello George and welcome to the forum. I have an auto on approx 90k miles and I know of another member who is on almost 160k miles with his. Some people recommend a fluid change if the oil looks or smells 'burnt' but there is another school of thought which suggests they are best just kept topped-up. Changing the filter is a pretty straightforward diy job if you’re mechanically minded.

There is some relevant info about checking and changing the fluid in this thread:

 
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I've never run a CD4E, but I've worked on a few Cougars (and a Mondy!) that have had them.

Fluid is key, but fully draining and replacing is obnoxiously expensive. If you suspect a fault, do as Andy says and top it off with fresh. If things improve a bit over a few days, only then do a full change.

This from a Ford friend of mine: "Depending on mileage, maybe resist the temptation to do a "draw and flush" where the internal pump is used to drag in new oil from a bowser. It would probably be okay - the box is under that sort of pressure anyway - but because of the change in fluid flow there is a chance of dislodging something that blocks a valve body. It's up to you. Not sure I'd bother on something that age though? Just top up."

Lastly, watch those end-plates on the nearside, (back of the gearbox). MTX75 is the same - it's a plate that covers the layshaft end and it rots out and... widdles the oil everywhere.
 
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I have over 160'000 miles on my automatic, it's a daily driver and have had no reliability issues with it, I had the fluid changed as a precaution a few years ago and frankly it made no difference to the running of the box, the up change is not as smooth as it was when I got the car with half the milage on but it's not really that noticeable
 
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Georgeseccombe said:
Hi guys, long time lurker on this forum and a lover of these cars ever since I passed my driving test 14 years ago. I had my first when I was 18, one in between and I’m now on my third at 31.

This one is a real beauty, bought from a fellow member on here called Gareth. It’s a black auto X pack on 73k miles and it runs beautifully.

I’ve read that the auto boxes on these are pretty unreliable and can’t be expected to reach high mileages, which scares me a bit as i’m going to be using this car as my daily, and would love to keep it going for as long as is possible, so I just wanted to reach out for some clarification.

Has anyone had the auto box rebuilt on their cougar rather than having it replaced?

What kind of mileages have you guys had from your autoboxes?

How easy is it to source a second hand auto box? I’ve no idea what other cars it was used in other than the cougar.

Of course there’s always the option of getting a cheap donor cougar that hasn’t done huge mileage, with no guarantee of the box being any good.

Just trying to plan ahead, it’s probably not worth worrying about yet but I’d like to be prepared for the inevitable…

Cheers guys
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my auto has done 140k and still runs and changes smooth....if yours has never had an oil/filter change or had its torque bands adjusted its worth getting this done....
BUT make sure a proper auto box specialist does the work ,regular garages often dont have a clue and will just bung any type of oil in it and wont know the cougars band adjustments...
and yes i can also be a bit of a hard driver so if mine can do it anyone's can.

do not worry about what u read on internet too much...people only post up when they do go wrong.

unless u are finding issues with it i wouldn't worry, but do check its service history and if nothings been done to it id defo get it (the gearbox)properly serviced.
 
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@Georgeseccombe
I notice you’re located somewhere in Gloucestershire, I'm not too far away in South Glos.

Gloucester Road Gearboxes in Bristol have a great reputation in the area and provide a range of services including recon boxes, gearbox repairs and servicing.

grgb.org.uk

Gearbox Specialists: Bristol, Bath: Gloucester Road Gearboxes

Gearbox Specialists Bristol, Bath: Gloucester Road Gearboxes. Reconditioned gearboxes, automatic gearbox specialist & repairs, servicing, MOTs, clutches & brakes.
grgb.org.uk grgb.org.uk
 
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I've got an auto and it's been brilliant. The gearbox failed and it seemed all was lost, however a code scanner revealed it was the auto transmission position sensor which is located beneath the thermostat housing, a new one from rock auto cost about twenty quid and was easy enough for myself and my ever patient Dad to swap on the drive. So do check that first if you have any problems. Congratulations on your new car I'm sure you'll love it 😍
 
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The Amazon said:
I certainly do not miss a clutch with today's congestion and constant traffic lights and islands
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as much as i love my suzi the manual coug.
i find tilly the auto MUCH easier and more relaxing on long journeys to drive, and to say they are less powerful is WRONG, correct use of sport mode and kickdown can surprise even modern cars...absolutely love em.
 
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