100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo
Prices

vincent_swift52

Spider Automatic Transmission Problems

My 1999 Renault Spider (gasoline) with 159237 km is exhibiting odd automatic transmission behavior. Shifting is implausible, the transmission indicator is lit, and it sometimes goes into emergency mode. I suspect low voltage, but any ideas?

Summary of the thread

A 1999 Renault Spider was experiencing unusual automatic transmission behavior, including implausible shifting, a lit transmission indicator, and occasional emergency mode activation. The initial suspicion was low voltage, but the core problem was identified as degraded transmission fluid. The solution involved a full transmission flush and fluid replacement, which resolved the issue.

Did this summary help you solve your problem?

4 comment(s)

uwe_klein9

The symptoms you've described strongly suggest an issue with the transmission fluid. Implausible shifting and emergency mode activation are common indicators of degraded or contaminated fluid. When was the last time the transmission fluid was inspected or replaced? Also, has the vehicle experienced any recent electrical work or battery issues that might correlate with your low voltage theory?

vincent_swift52 (community.author)

The fluid hasn't been changed in recent memory. As for electrics, the battery is relatively new and the charging system seems nominal. What's the likely impact of old fluid here?

uwe_klein9

Given the fluid's age and the symptoms, I strongly suspect it is the primary culprit. Degraded transmission fluid loses its lubricating and hydraulic properties, leading to erratic shifting and eventual emergency mode activation to protect the transmission from damage. The undervoltage might be a contributing factor, but replacing the fluid should be your first step. While a simple drain and fill can help, a complete transmission flush is recommended to remove old fluid and debris thoroughly. Given the potential complexity and sensitivity of automatic transmissions, I recommend consulting a trusted workshop to conduct the transmission flush and inspection.

vincent_swift52 (community.author)

Thanks for the detailed insight! I took it to my local workshop, and as you suspected, a full transmission flush and fluid replacement (at a cost of 240€) resolved the issue. The old fluid was indeed heavily degraded. Problem solved!

rmh_community_comment_box_header

community_crosslink_scanner_headline

community_crosslink_scanner_intro

community_crosslink_scanner_title

community_crosslink_scanner_price

community_crosslink_rmh_headline

community_crosslink_rmh_intro

community_crosslink_rmh_title

community_crosslink_rmh_subtitle

community_crosslink_rmh_brand

RENAULT

community_crosslink_rmh_model

SPIDER