Loss of power - hoping not ECU

[gemgem1982]

Hi All,

Totally new to this .... so be gentle..

Purchased a Peugeot 206 CC 02 Plate auto at the weekend. Low mileage, TLC needed to the external as a couple of dents here and there. Test drove it all fine, roof worked - great!

Over the weekend the following started to happen;

* when accelerating a high pitch sound could be heard, remove foot from gas and it would stop - this was happening intermittently.

* after being in the car for a mile or so the car would judder, almost like it was stuck between gears and then literally crawl when my foot was flat on the gas. When pulling away it was like I had the car in 4th gear!! Turned the car off, came back an hour later and it was perfect to drive! This has happened twice in consecutive days. If my research is correct this is limp mode?

*Today - the car died all together Driving to work and suddenly the car has lost all power.... I managed to pull over, put the hazards on and put into park. Tried re-starting the engine but nothing - not even ticking over. Nothing would work - windows, couldn't even move it unto neutral. Mechanic that come out was stumped - said it was either an earthing issue or an ECU - which I believe is quite expensive!!

Any ideas out there if all of the above would suggest a new ECU?

[IanL]

A duff engine ECU would not affect the windows.

It's possible that the high pitched noise was the alternator drive belt slipping, and allowing the battery to run down. Peugeot electronics are very sensitive to low voltage, and that, rather than a duff ECU, could be the problem.

Try recharging the battery. Maybe all you need is a new belt, tensioner and idler pulley.

[GrandadMonkey]

That auto gearbox may well need a service too! I'd bet it hasn't been serviced in the last 14 years. People forget about the auto box and think they'll run forever without any attention.

[IanL]

There are no recommended servicing procedures for the AL4 automatic transmission. What would you suggest?

[gazza82]

Changing the transmission fluid must be the least you could do. It's going to be pretty tired and thin ..

[IanL]

You can partially change the fluid, but a complete change requires the transmission to be removed from the car and the torque converter separated. A partial change may be effective if the fluid has been overheated, but there is unlikely to be any other benefit.

I have also seen advice from AT specialists to the effect that partial draining may disturb residues from the friction surfaces and cause problems with hydraulic valves.

Reading between the lines, I have formed the view that "if it isn't broken, don't fix it", or to put it another way - "if it works, don't take it apart to see why".

[GrandadMonkey]

You can partially change the fluid, but a complete change requires the transmission to be removed from the car and the torque converter separated. A partial change may be effective if the fluid has been overheated, but there is unlikely to be any other benefit.

I have also seen advice from AT specialists to the effect that partial draining may disturb residues from the friction surfaces and cause problems with hydraulic valves.

Reading between the lines, I have formed the view that "if it isn't broken, don't fix it", or to put it another way - "if it works, don't take it apart to see why".

My motto exactly but I was going on the symptoms described Ian.

[Capncol]

"if it isn't broken, don't fix it"

Or keep fixing it until it is!

[Luditus]

Preventative maintenance is a good idea. Why wait till the bearings start shouting at you to do something?

[IanL]

The bearings are immersed in Esso 47221 lubricant - so what something do you have in mind?

[Luditus]

I was thinking in general terms to all parts of a vehicle, not specifically the auto box. Unless one has access to some trib test facilities, then the simple option is to drain off 1 litre of old fluid and replace with 1 litre of new. Repeat every year or so, dependent on use.

[IanL]

The manufacturer only specifies a level check at 40,000 mile intervals. Partial draining, as I observed above, is not recommended by AT specialists. The exception is if the oil has been overheated and smells burnt. Hence my remark, which was specific to the AL4 transmission.

Anyway, I think the AL4 is a bit of a red herring as far as the OP is concerned. With the selector at P, I do not think any defect in the AL4 could prevent the engine starting or the windows working. The symptoms suggest an electrical failure.

[Luditus]

"Anyway, I think the AL4 is a bit of a red herring as far as the OP is concerned. With the selector at P, I do not think any defect in the AL4 could prevent the engine starting or the windows working. The symptoms suggest an electrical failure." Agreed.