Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[Dieselman]

It is UV causes the fade.

[russ92xmsed]

Well, good news and not so quite good news. Finally took the XM for a spin today, really thought the battery was toast after not being used for so long and the cold weather ect....but it started fine. Couldn't leave a modern car that long without the battery discharging completely.

The good news is the new LCD auto box display works a treat. No flickering and good clear screen. Satisfying!
Not so good news is the speedo doesn't work now. Must have not connected it properly. So out with the binnacle again. Ergh!

I also think a change of auto box fluid is a good idea. Not sure when it was last done, but it was very red in colour. One to do when the weather is a little better. I also would not be too surprised to find the bushes or something down there might need replacing...steering seems a tad vague.

The fun continues!

[Dieselman]

ATF is meant to be red, it goes black with contamination.

iirc, your car was supplied from a well known purveyor of high quality XM, so why so many issues?

[russ92xmsed]

Well Will, it is partly me being very picky and just generally being totally paranoid!..plus I'm being very careful with the gearbox, as we don't know when it was last changed. So for that I think being cautious is the best policy. I know it is meant to be red and it was the last time I checked. It would make me feel happier if it were changed. It drives fine.

Generally it is good, it's me being consumed by the 'what is that...why is it doing that' paranoia. Really need to trust it more!

When i bought it from the well known proveyer, We made sure it was mechanically in good order first ....which has been done. However it did need cosmetic work which pushed the price up. And a lot was done as you know, but maybe at the expense of some things like the missing air sensor ect. Still don't understand why the suspension was by passed, because I'm sure it wasn't when I first picked it up. . So anyway...what I paid was enough...so not all of it is perfect, but it is all round a good car. I'm happy to tinker and slowly improve the car, kind bond with it.

He says!

[CitroJim]

I'd be delighted with red ATF in mine Russ. First drain it was blacker than the night and it's still a bit mucky now after two subsequent changes...
You can tell a lot too of the health of the gearbox by smelling it. If it really smells burned then your gearbox is toast.

So yours is no worries at all but I would change it at next engine oil change as you can never change engine or gearbox oil often enough

The only time I'd be worried about red ATF in an autobox is if I saw it in an HP20. The proper stuff in there is straw coloured and smells vaguely of caramelised toast and very strongly of tom cats....

[russ92xmsed]

Cheers Jim, I'll go sniff my gearbox then

I'm sure it's fine.

[CitroJim]

I'll go sniff my gearbox then

There's a self-help group to help you overcome that affliction Russ

Dexron II ATF has quite a pleasant smell to my nose but I guess that's subjective and not universally shared...

LT71141 as used in the HP20 is unanimously agreed to smell absolutely disgusting...

[russ92xmsed]

So sweeter the better!

[russ92xmsed]

Very productive day today. Got the speedo working again. The white collar had sheared at the base....anyway, it's all glued back together and now tells me the speed and more importantly records the milage now.

I tried to replace the two bulbs in the switches that open the stereo and ashtray flaps. Its easy taking the switches out and getting to the wiring behind....but trying to get at the bulbs within the switches is a nightmare. Anyone else managed to do this?
I also changed the seat belt light bulb and sport light bulb. All of which still don't operate. Sport light I know...seatbelt light....non the wiser!

Replaced the wiper arm Dave the Rave supplied. So now I can see in the rain! And the air sensor Dave also sent works a treat and now stops the Aircon from going into a default setting, where it just comes on regardless. All happy.

And just to help my paranoia with this car, I am now suspicious of one of the Strut tops moving up. The annoying thing is I haven't a photo to reference so no idea if it is creeping up. The sphere is closer to the bulk head than the other one. The strange thing is it is much better condition than the drivers side one. But for the life of me cannot remember if it has always been like this. I think I'm going to take weakly measurements from now on!
I'll get a photo of it to show. There is no movement and condition underneath is great. I'm sure it's me!!


And final job to do at some point, Gear box fluid. It is now a brownish red and smells, slightly burnt. My sense of smell is atrocious, but I have no idea how long it has been in there for so I feel it is time.

[Dieselman]

Jack the body up to hang the wheel. If the strut rubber is loose or split it will hang down.