[Transmission] Automatic Gearbox Stuck in Neutral

[Strathlana]

Hi, I am hoping to find some help for my dad. He has a 2014 multispace disable conversion. Last week he stopped in traffic and the car went into neutral but it didn't go back into drive.

The car was recovered to a local garage who gave exhausted all their diagnostics and they can't find what's wrong. 

We need to move it to somewhere that can repair it but just trying to get an idea of what the problem could be. Is this a common problem? Any help or advice greatly appreciated. Car is regularly serviced and less than 20000 miles.

[hawkeyefxr]

I am no expert  on auto boxes but a friend of mine had just this problem, this was many years ago now. It turned out to be an oil problem. Thats all i know i'm afraid.

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[Sol]

I think you really need someone with DiagBox software and a Citroen Lexia interface & laptop to take a scan and see what the system reports, I know it's maybe not what you are looking for but it is way more capable than any generic diagnostics on the car as it is Citroen's own system - you can buy them on ebay and get it up and running on an old laptop then see what is going on if you are a bit handy with a PC.

If it's the rotary dial auto (only had manual Berlingos myself) then it must be a computer issue (BSI / Auto box controller) as it has no manual levers to operate the gearbox, only electronic remote control. It may be worth trying a full system reset (google "BSI Reset" and try it) - nothing to lose.

It is I believe, a remote controlled manual gearbox with a computer controlled clutch rather than a conventional slush box & torque converter. Could be something stupid and non related, causing the controller to put the box into neutral.

[GraemeT]

Long shot - if the selector is stuck and cannot be shifted double check the brake lights - on some cars you where you need to depress the brake before selecting a blown brake bulb or fuse will prevent selection.

Ask me how I know :-(

[Sol]

Great tip Graeme.

[GraemeT]

Great tip Graeme.

Bitter experience my friend! Long time fan of automatics and have managed to get stuck many times.

On the PSA auto gubbins - mother in law has this system on her Pug. Hers has always worked well but has had one glitch when the slave cylinder started leaking - we did manage to change that with only a little swearing. They are hard to get to needing a lot of faffing around and crap (on hers) like dropping the subframe to really get at the whole clutch/bellhousing mechanism - so much so that I'd gladly pay 'a man' to work on it next time.

I think they'll be another reason for older cars to be getting scrapped before their time as the cost/time to replace the clutch may not be economic.