New Automatic Owner - Revs jumping

[mini2]

Hello,

I've owned a MPI Mini auto for a few weeks now. Drives lovely and no real problems.

Just one thing concerns me. Sometimes when the autobox goes from 3rd to 4th the engine revs momentarily jump about 1000 rpm. Doesn't do it all the time and doesn't do it in any other gear that I've noticed. There's no clunking or banging with it, and the car doesn't judder as it happens.

Is it something to be concerned about? Or is it just something they do?

I've owned Mini's before but never an Auto. So I'm still not sure what is normal and what is an indication of a problem.

[jockduck]

Hi, Its called "Flaring" and it is common on APII boxes, some guys on this site will tell you that it is aggravated by using the wrong engine oil which is a possibility, my own Minimatic does flare when the engine is cold but after a couple of miles its good. The box has behaved this way since I rebuilt it 36000 miles ago. The short period of slippage can heat up the clutch plates and damage them, I always try to"drive around" the problem when the engine is cold. I sometimes hold the car in 3rd if hill-climbing and then allow it to upshift when the throttle setting is lighter.
Jock

[mini2]

Apr 16, 2020 11:15:04 GMT jockduck said:

Hi, Its called "Flaring" and it is common on APII boxes, some guys on this site will tell you that it is aggravated by using the wrong engine oil which is a possibility, my own Minimatic does flare when the engine is cold but after a couple of miles its good. The box has behaved this way since I rebuilt it 36000 miles ago. The short period of slippage can heat up the clutch plates and damage them, I always try to"drive around" the problem when the engine is cold. I sometimes hold the car in 3rd if hill-climbing and then allow it to upshift when the throttle setting is lighter.
Jock

Thank you, that's reassuring!

I have only driven it short distances so far due to the lockdown (supermarket and back), so it would tie in with it being a cold engine.

Once the restrictions are lifted I will give it a good run

[mra-minis]

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

This is a common fault and is more often than not caused by poor servicing or worn parts, if you are happy to drive it like this then just remember the clutches are NOT supposed to slip that is the job of the Torque Converter, so as above, slippage will damage the internals more and will eventually lead to an expensive rebuild as the drums will also be damaged beyond economic repair.

An oil change may well help or even cure the fault, but the longer you leave it the worse it will get. If you need your car ie as a KEYWORKER then take it for a drive as you may well find the 4th gear valve is sticky and a good clear out may just free it up.

[mini2]

Apr 26, 2020 11:18:53 GMT mra-minis said:

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

This is a common fault and is more often than not caused by poor servicing or worn parts, if you are happy to drive it like this then just remember the clutches are NOT supposed to slip that is the job of the Torque Converter, so as above, slippage will damage the internals more and will eventually lead to an expensive rebuild as the drums will also be damaged beyond economic repair.

An oil change may well help or even cure the fault, but the longer you leave it the worse it will get. If you need your car ie as a KEYWORKER then take it for a drive as you may well find the 4th gear valve is sticky and a good clear out may just free it up.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I have found that the oil level in the engine is far too high (the previous owner changed the oil just before handing it over to me), so I will drain a bit out to start with and see what it drives like then.

[mra-minis]

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

High ? that maybe due to the correct process not being adhered to ..... warm up the engine, then turn off and dip 60 seconds later, very specific because the level can vary quite dramatically due to other issues.

[mikerotherham]

Can I suggest you do an oil and filter change if you've not already done one since owning the car.

Use an oil to JASO MA2 10w40 semi synthetic specification and see if it helps with the flaring.