Recently sold my 2013 i30 and bought this old girl to do some travelling. I'm finding it better to use the automatic more like a manual and start off in low gear and work up to drive. is this normal for this van? I have had it fully serviced and goes well with a reconditioned motor done about 60,000 ks. Also appreciate any tips on getting the best mileage with fuel. Read up on it before I bought it and some posts said they were hard on fuel.
Woody n Sue said
09:20 PM Apr 23, 2017
And is welcome from us two lone star can't help but that dosnt sound normal to me for normal driving perhaps you could seek the advice of an auto trans specialist
Woody
Aus-Kiwi said
09:24 PM Apr 23, 2017
Sounds to me the auto needs some attention ?
Dougwe said
01:21 PM Apr 24, 2017
Welcome to the gang Lone Star, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I agree, maybe best to get the auto looked at.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Lone Star said
07:47 PM Apr 24, 2017
Thanks. Just spent $$900.00 getting everything serviced including auto.so many cowboy mechanics out there
Eaglemax said
12:51 AM Apr 25, 2017
I owned a Mitsubishi express van once petrol and auto and it was woeful on fuel.
I'd check if the car rolls easily eg nothing binding like brakes.
The old autos were a generation from the new ones. I assume its a 3 speed.
I think the power to weight issue, poor wind resistance and low differential gears lead to the problem.
I dont think youll improve it.
In contrast our then telecom manyal hiace vans were much better in comparison with those symptoms mentioned.
Cheers
macka17 said
12:20 PM Apr 25, 2017
If transm ok.
Maybe a Torque Converter lock up switch could help.
Stops the plates slipping which causes the overheating
and over running downhill
plus will hold in whatever gear you choose to retard
going up and down steepies.
My 4 spd is fine. Lockup stops it jumping up\down the gears, over revving engine
when near crests of hills. and can retard going down if I select a gear to suit.
Plus Auto's (normally) have higher O\Drive cog than manuals.
Plate slippage is always the problem with loads on.
Ford Petrol 2 ltr will be thirsty with that load and flat front.
They designed as town delivery veh's basically.
Park up on windy days is best Advice I can give you.
Enjoy the view or go fishing, watch movies.
Otherwise they . Generally.
Have very good reviews for reliability (just reading)
and access to parts.
One of the best things you can get for those smaller rigs.
is a Roll out shade on side, with side mossie netting or tent,
to expand covered area.
Standing UP space is the thing most lacking in those rigs.
These give you that. Covered and private, and cheap.
$4\500 plus rack.
That Roof rack on top with flat water tank painted matt black and shower hose down.
Small elect pump to fill with. heaven on sticky days (and cold)
Even a coupla 20\25ltr water plastics painted will do job.
A hot shower is worth a zillion at end of the day.
Just check temp's b4 stepping under OK.
Solar. spare, chairs\table.
Give heaps more room inside.
And always have highest items at REAR of rack
for airflow. with a tarp to smooth it.
20\25ltrs on side not standing.
I made up a rack for mate yrs ago.
Solar panels at front.x 2 with 2 x more set in Ally angles.
that slid out and propped at bonnet.
. to double input when parked.
Table\chairs etc strapped down in middle. Spare x 2 at near rear
and coupla 25ltr plastics. water and fuel at back.
Also made a tilt up short arm boom that locked up and swiveled.
You then clipped a set of main sheet self jamming blocks on it.
to raise and lower, then swing in. all the heavy stuff..
Made up similar for my Outboards on corner of boat loader
on Patrols.
Works VERY well. and I have the blocks etc even now.
-- Edited by hako on Tuesday 25th of April 2017 03:23:19 PM
Lone Star said
07:52 PM Apr 25, 2017
thanks, lots to think about. The zip on awning is as good as knew so will try that first. Trying to keep costs down and need something easy for me to handle on my own. will ask mechanic about torque converter. Haven't had the van long, doing weekend trips with family to get the hang of it all
Lone Star said
07:56 PM Apr 25, 2017
yes, petrol and 3 speed. not sure how the overdrive works, on the open road I guess. Long time since I drove something of this vintage but it's coming back to me.
hako said
09:52 PM Apr 25, 2017
Don't think your auto is electronically controlled so no lockup clutch and no overdrive, just 3 speeds old school. The slower you cruise the less fuel you will use - probably find about 80 kph is best.
Good Luck.
Jaahn said
06:49 PM Apr 26, 2017
Hi Lone Star
That old Mazda is a simpler working van Should be OK if you take it easy and keep within its limits. Go a bit slower and look at the view is a great way to travel.
The auto is a 4 speed really. Called a 3 speed with a fourth overdrive top gear. I have had these type of autos(still do) and you just put it into drive and go. The overdrive button is left pressed in so it uses that too as it needs. Just works like a four speed and normally no need to do any manual shifting or OD changing, as it should just work on its own.
If it does not work automatically as you think it should then spend a dollar at an automatic transmission workshop and get them to test drive it for an opinion on operation and whether it needs an adjustment, an oil change or service. Doing this now may save you lots more than it failing in the future out in the back blocks. If the gears are changing too early then it may just need an adjustment to fix that. Changing the oil in an auto is also a normal service item that is often overlooked !
good luck Jaahn
Lone Star said
07:45 PM Apr 26, 2017
Thanks a lot . Clarified the issue for me. Noticed today with overdrive button in it stays on 3 RPM otherwise 4
Tony Bev said
10:34 PM Apr 26, 2017
Hello Lone Star
Hope that I am not too late to welcome you to the forum
Hopefully you have now sorted the gearbox overdrive problem out
You you should not have to use an automatic gearbox, like a manual one
As with any vehicles, the lighter you are, and the slower you can go in top gear, then the better fuel economy you will get
You will eventually find the sweet spot for your vehicle, if you keep a record of road speeds and fuel used
macka17 said
01:34 AM Apr 27, 2017
PS.
Little tip regarding oil changes... in Auto's.
A "service" just entails dropping pan. changing filter and pouring in around 5 to 7 ltrs to top up.
An Auto "system" contains a LOT more oil in it than that.
Do it yourself (easy enuff. Instructions on Google.) or get Auto Transm place to do it.
I normally use near (buy) a 20 ltr drums worth.
Flushing to clean red is normally (in 4wd's)
around 15 to 18 ltrs worth.
Leaves a bit for topping up with.
Anddddddddddddd........
I normally install an extra Transm "cooler" in line at same time. $100 ish bucks well spent if touring.
READ UP on them.
Just EXTRA arse covering is all.
I use the cylindrical finned ally, 18in. they do 12\15in too.
.or a standard finned rad.
But Cylindrical easier to fit, and take knocks better..
Have fun mate .. Enjoy and REEEEELAX.
Got your rods?. and yabbie pots. Cat food\spuds.
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 27th of April 2017 01:38:19 AM
Recently sold my 2013 i30 and bought this old girl to do some travelling. I'm finding it better to use the automatic more like a manual and start off in low gear and work up to drive. is this normal for this van? I have had it fully serviced and goes well with a reconditioned motor done about 60,000 ks. Also appreciate any tips on getting the best mileage with fuel. Read up on it before I bought it and some posts said they were hard on fuel.
Woody
I agree, maybe best to get the auto looked at.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Thanks. Just spent $$900.00 getting everything serviced including auto.so many cowboy mechanics out there
Maybe a Torque Converter lock up switch could help.
Stops the plates slipping which causes the overheating
and over running downhill
plus will hold in whatever gear you choose to retard
going up and down steepies.
My 4 spd is fine. Lockup stops it jumping up\down the gears, over revving engine
when near crests of hills. and can retard going down if I select a gear to suit.
Plus Auto's (normally) have higher O\Drive cog than manuals.
Plate slippage is always the problem with loads on.
Ford Petrol 2 ltr will be thirsty with that load and flat front.
They designed as town delivery veh's basically.
Park up on windy days is best Advice I can give you.
Enjoy the view or go fishing, watch movies.
Otherwise they . Generally.
Have very good reviews for reliability (just reading)
and access to parts.
One of the best things you can get for those smaller rigs.
is a Roll out shade on side, with side mossie netting or tent,
to expand covered area.
Standing UP space is the thing most lacking in those rigs.
These give you that. Covered and private, and cheap.
$4\500 plus rack.
That Roof rack on top with flat water tank painted matt black and shower hose down.
Small elect pump to fill with. heaven on sticky days (and cold)
Even a coupla 20\25ltr water plastics painted will do job.
A hot shower is worth a zillion at end of the day.
Just check temp's b4 stepping under OK.
Solar. spare, chairs\table.
Give heaps more room inside.
And always have highest items at REAR of rack
for airflow. with a tarp to smooth it.
20\25ltrs on side not standing.
I made up a rack for mate yrs ago.
Solar panels at front.x 2 with 2 x more set in Ally angles.
that slid out and propped at bonnet.
. to double input when parked.
Table\chairs etc strapped down in middle. Spare x 2 at near rear
and coupla 25ltr plastics. water and fuel at back.
Also made a tilt up short arm boom that locked up and swiveled.
You then clipped a set of main sheet self jamming blocks on it.
to raise and lower, then swing in. all the heavy stuff..
Made up similar for my Outboards on corner of boat loader
on Patrols.
Works VERY well. and I have the blocks etc even now.
Have fun.
See this link:
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t54583248/mazda-e2000-vans-love-or-avoid/
Also:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Mazda+1995+E2000&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=FNz-WPO-E7LM8ge73434Cw#q=mazda+e2000+common+problems
Good Luck.
-- Edited by hako on Tuesday 25th of April 2017 03:23:19 PM
thanks, lots to think about. The zip on awning is as good as knew so will try that first. Trying to keep costs down and need something easy for me to handle on my own. will ask mechanic about torque converter. Haven't had the van long, doing weekend trips with family to get the hang of it all
yes, petrol and 3 speed. not sure how the overdrive works, on the open road I guess. Long time since I drove something of this vintage but it's coming back to me.
Good Luck.
Hi Lone Star
That old Mazda is a simpler working van Should be OK if you take it easy and keep within its limits. Go a bit slower and look at the view is a great way to travel.
The auto is a 4 speed really. Called a 3 speed with a fourth overdrive top gear. I have had these type of autos(still do) and you just put it into drive and go. The overdrive button is left pressed in so it uses that too as it needs. Just works like a four speed and normally no need to do any manual shifting or OD changing, as it should just work on its own.
If it does not work automatically as you think it should then spend a dollar at an automatic transmission workshop and get them to test drive it for an opinion on operation and whether it needs an adjustment, an oil change or service. Doing this now may save you lots more than it failing in the future out in the back blocks. If the gears are changing too early then it may just need an adjustment to fix that. Changing the oil in an auto is also a normal service item that is often overlooked !
good luck Jaahn
Thanks a lot . Clarified the issue for me. Noticed today with overdrive button in it stays on 3 RPM otherwise 4
Hope that I am not too late to welcome you to the forum
Hopefully you have now sorted the gearbox overdrive problem out
You you should not have to use an automatic gearbox, like a manual one
As with any vehicles, the lighter you are, and the slower you can go in top gear, then the better fuel economy you will get
You will eventually find the sweet spot for your vehicle, if you keep a record of road speeds and fuel used
PS.
Little tip regarding oil changes... in Auto's.
A "service" just entails dropping pan.
changing filter and pouring in around 5 to 7 ltrs to top up.
An Auto "system" contains a LOT more oil in it than that.
Do it yourself (easy enuff. Instructions on Google.)
or get Auto Transm place to do it.
I normally use near (buy) a 20 ltr drums worth.
Flushing to clean red is normally (in 4wd's)
around 15 to 18 ltrs worth.
Leaves a bit for topping up with.
Anddddddddddddd........
I normally install an extra Transm "cooler" in line
at same time.
$100 ish bucks well spent if touring.
READ UP on them.
Just EXTRA arse covering is all.
I use the cylindrical finned ally, 18in. they do 12\15in too.
.or a standard finned rad.
But Cylindrical easier to fit, and take knocks better..
Have fun mate .. Enjoy and REEEEELAX.
Got your rods?. and yabbie pots. Cat food\spuds.
-- Edited by macka17 on Thursday 27th of April 2017 01:38:19 AM