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1999 suzuki vitara auto problems

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:42 pm
by BRUMBI
hey hows it going, my gf vitara has started to get very slugish lately, it seems to not drop down gears when you want it to or needs to. it also lags a lot. could this be gearbox or computer.

its a 1999 Suzuki vitara 2.0L 4CY AUTO


any idears whats wrong?

cheers kai

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 12:48 pm
by AndrewT
most autos rely very strongly on oil pressure and oil condition. Check the colour of the transmission fuild, if it's still red thats okay, if it's kindof brown then it needs replacing. If it's low then that's likely to be the cause of the strange gear changes.
It might need a seal kit put through it, you can usually buy these fairly cheaply and they are not too hard to install, can be done with just removing the transmission lower sump. Failing that maybe it needs a full rebuild.
*this is very general advice based on my experience with automatics in some of my old cars - have never seen a Vitara one up close before*

Otherwiser if the sluggishness is engine related its unlikely to be the computer. Might just need a good server, or new spark plugs.

Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:15 pm
by BRUMBI
thanks for the info. the car is in very good con low Kms and service very regularly so im leaning towards gearbox. but i was under the impression that if the oil was low, burnt or thin that the gearbox would slip not just not change down gears.