Automatic Gearbox

[souxie]

I cannot select gears in my automatic 08 Renault Megane Scenic,I cannot depress the button on the gear lever I would appreciate any advice please.

Many Thanks

[TonyV]

Have you checked automatic transmission fluid level, there will be a dipstick somewhere. Check owners handbook for location.

[bhg481]

Since most auto gearbox operations nowadays are controlled electronically and selection is by switches on the gear lever, rather than by mechanical movements (like a manual gearbox) I would guess that the gear lever has a mechanical fault which is stopping the button being depressed. My Volvo has a system whereby the selector cannot readily be moved out of P unless the ignition is on, which is obviously electrically controlled. I cannot believe that low fluid levels would prevent operation of the selector.

[davebro]

Is there a separate button that you can press if the gear selector becomes locked? I think there is/was on my Qashqai & RAV 4. Check the handbook?

[TonyV]

bhg I did not OP properly before suggesting fluid level. As you say probably a mechanical or electrical failure in button.

[TonyV]

^^^^
bhg thought it was gear selection, rather than the button which prompted my reply.

[bhg481]

Tony - incidentally my Volvo doesn't have a dipstick for the transmission nor is there any easy way of filling it; Lord knows how they do it if diagnostics show it's low.

[bhg481]

Further to davebro's post, my Volvo selector can be moved without the ignition on by using a hidden switch, as described in the handbook. Your Renault might be the same - check your handbook.

[TonyV]

bhg with your Volvo, probably have to top up when its on a ramp and wait for fluid to come out of filling hole, just a guess.

[bhg481]

Tony - yes, I think it is something like that. I usually buy Haynes manuals for my cars but, for some reason, they never did one for mine; useful for finding out which jobs you can do and which are best left to a garage.

[TonyV]

bhg hardly do any maintenance myself on my car. Cars have become to complicated with ecu,s etc. To many special tools required.

[bhg481]

Tony - same here but old age combined with more complicated cars and increased affluence means that jobs that were mine now belong to the garage.

[TonyV]

LOL bhg same as.

[TonyV]

Souxie apart from bhg and myself bantering away do not think your switch problem will be a DIY job unless you are able to replace it yourself.

[tonyav]

Probably have to take the gear selector to find out why the button won't depress or replace the gear selector ( doesn't have to be a brand new one, breakers will have one or Ebay probably ).
Regarding changing the fluid most modern auto boxes are pretty much sealed for life units these days, you have to half dismantle them to drain the fluid.

[tonyav]

have to take the gear selector apart ^^^^^^^

[squelly]

had the same on my scenic.check the ball cup socket on the gear selector.