(URGENT) Broken auto gearbox in Arabian peninsula (1 Viewer)

[artisan2demain]

Hi guys,
First post here. I've been reading the forum for many years, thanks for all the great inspiration.
My HDJ100 broke down in Oman. My wife and I have been traveling overland around the world the past 5 years.

HDJ100 from 1998 4.7 Petrol 350 000kms
Diagnosis : autogearbox doesn't work on reverse AND not possible to put it in low gear / all other gears work but not smoothly / gearbox oil smells smokey

Dexol specialist in Muscat says transmission and 4x4 are broken (but didn't open transmission). It happened suddently after a trip down from Jabal Akhdar mountains.
From the beginning when I bought it at 290k I noticed a little "play" when the autogearbox was shifting gears but never was a problem.

I'm searching for a transmission + 4x4 to import from the UAE to Muscat. I have no idea where to begin as I've never had issues with the car.

I guess my questions are :
How do you choose a good/low mileage used transmission ?
Are we 100% certain of the diagnosis OR do we have to wait till they open the transmission ?
Should we repair the transmission instead of buying a used one ?

Thank you

 

[awesomeissquid]

The transmission and the transfer case are independent components so it seems odd that both would fail at the same time.

When you say shifting into low does not work is that using the transmission shifter or the transfer case shifter?

If you end up needing a new transmission I would look for the best unit you can find. I would likely not try to repair the current unit since you mentioned play in the shifting originally as well. Best of luck, I know the feeling of having your truck stuck.

 

[artisan2demain]

The transmission and the transfer case are independent components so it seems odd that both would fail at the same time.

When you say shifting into low does not work is that using the transmission shifter or the transfer case shifter?

If you end up needing a new transmission I would look for the best unit you can find. I would likely not try to repair the current unit since you mentioned play in the shifting originally as well. Best of luck, I know the feeling of having your truck stuck.

Thanks for your reply!
When put on R with the transmission shifter, the car doesn't move when accelerating.
Regarding the transfer case shifter, it's not possible to move it to L. Seems to be stuck in H

 

[awesomeissquid]

Thanks for your reply!
When put on R with the transmission shifter, the car doesn't move when accelerating.
Regarding the transfer case shifter, it's not possible to move it to L. Seems to be stuck in H

Okay I think I understand.

So the transmission fully does not work in reverse and only partially works in the other gears.

For the transfer case shifter has it ever worked or is this a new symptom that it does not want to shift? If it has always been stuck there is a common issue where the lever gets frozen in place. There is a thread on here about removing that assembly and getting it moving again.

 

[artisan2demain]

Okay I think I understand.

So the transmission fully does not work in reverse and only partially works in the other gears.

For the transfer case shifter has it ever worked or is this a new symptom that it does not want to shift? If it has always been stuck there is a common issue where the lever gets frozen in place. There is a thread on here about removing that assembly and getting it moving again.

Again thank you for taking the time to reply!

"So the transmission fully does not work in reverse and only partially works in the other gears."
YES

Regarding the transfer case shifter, I have to admit I have never used the car on anything else than H (never felt the need)
Now that I think about it, I remember we tried to put it on L a few times - just to try - and weren't able to do so.
Just as you said, it seemed to be stuck there.

The dexol mechanic in Oman told me R and L are connected on this car, what do you think ?

 

[vipergrhd]

Quick and easy way to find out is drain about a few ounces of fluid it should tell you right there if it's full of metal.
Until you disassemble the transmission or transfer case no way to know the extent of damage if you can repair, finding a good supplier of surplus parts is your best bet. If you do get a surplus unit drop the pan and inspect for any debris.

 

[awesomeissquid]

Give this thread a read for a possible solution for the transfer case shifter.

Transfer case

Hi, been searching and have found some decent info but just want others opinions. I nearly broke my shoulder trying to shift into low range the other day, the transfer case lever is realllllly hard to move when cold, to the point where it doesn't want to move at all (yes I'm in neutral with no...

forum.ih8mud.com

Can’t help more on the transmission, but I would try to have a transmission shop look at it.

 

[artisan2demain]

Copy that.
The oil is smelling smokey, that doesn't sound right ?
I'm searching for a good supplier for used parts in the UAE, but have no idea how to choose the right transmission (condition, mileage, refurbished?)
Thank you!

 

[artisan2demain]

thank you, I'm going through it now

 

[artisan2demain]

thank you, I'm going through it now

 

[thibaut]

Well at least you’re in the right part of the world to source a second hand gearbox ! The key point is to purchase one for the correct model year (the early 100 have a different box from the later and they arent interchangeable).

What was the mileage / kms on the Box ? What is the year of your LC ? How frequently do you change trans oil ? Apart from the 2001 model whwre there is a rumour of weakness the trans are generally quite strong. As you are overlanding and carrying more weight, it will put more stress on trans.
But try to rule out any other cause, for instance the water rad is also the trans cooler, but if the internal trans fluid piping rusts, it mixes with water and wrecks the trans.

Bonne chance avec la reparation et ravi de voir que vous utilisez vraiment votre LC !

 

[artisan2demain]

Well at least you’re in the right part of the world to source a second hand gearbox ! The key point is to purchase one for the correct model year (the early 100 have a different box from the later and they arent interchangeable).

What was the mileage / kms on the Box ? What is the year of your LC ? How frequently do you change trans oil ? Apart from the 2001 model whwre there is a rumour of weakness the trans are generally quite strong. As you are overlanding and carrying more weight, it will put more stress on trans.
But try to rule out any other cause, for instance the water rad is also the trans cooler, but if the internal trans fluid piping rusts, it mixes with water and wrecks the trans.

Bonne chance avec la reparation et ravi de voir que vous utilisez vraiment votre LC !

Hi Thibaut, thanks for the reply!
Car is 350k and from 1998, I never changed the trans oil myself but always asked the guys to check if it needed replacement when doing service.
Ok I will get the trans fluid piping if it's rusted or not. thanks

Do you have any idea on how to select a long-lasting transmission secondhand ?

 

[Wadepat2]

Again thank you for taking the time to reply!

"So the transmission fully does not work in reverse and only partially works in the other gears."
YES

Regarding the transfer case shifter, I have to admit I have never used the car on anything else than H (never felt the need)
Now that I think about it, I remember we tried to put it on L a few times - just to try - and weren't able to do so.
Just as you said, it seemed to be stuck there.

The dexol mechanic in Oman told me R and L are connected on this car, what do you think ?

R and L are definitely not connected .

I commented on your FB book post. Go to Joy Garage on FB and in the info they will have Jax Joy's whatsapp number. Whatsapp him and tell him Wade sent you to buy the transmission I just pulled out of my LC. It's recently serviced and working fine. I only removed it because after adding a new ecu and supercharger it wouldn't upshift qnd went with a manual trans. We confirmed it wasn't an actual transmission issue. Was running perfect when he pulled it. He also has plenty of used transmissions if not mine. He is in UAE but gets parts from Oman often. They are not a hi-tech shop but can get you going with a good transmission. Let me know if you can't reach him. Check your build tag in engine bay to make sure what trans you have.

Whatsapp for Jax Joy. +971 50 271 1008

 

[artisan2demain]

R and L are definitely not connected .

I commented on your FB book post. Go to Joy Garage on FB and in the info they will have Jax Joy's whatsapp number. Whatsapp him and tell him Wade sent you to buy the transmission I just pulled out of my LC. It's recently serviced and working fine. I only removed it because after adding a new ecu and supercharger it wouldn't upshift qnd went with a manual trans. We confirmed it wasn't an actual transmission issue. Was running perfect when he pulled it. He also has plenty of used transmissions if not mine. He is in UAE but gets parts from Oman often. They are not a hi-tech shop but can get you going with a good transmission. Let me know if you can't reach him. Check your build tag in engine bay to make sure what trans you have.

Whatsapp for Jax Joy. +971 50 271 1008

Thanks man, really appreciate it! I will try to contact him now. What was the mileage on your LC ?

 

[Wadepat2]

Thanks man, really appreciate it! I will try to contact him now. What was the mileage on your LC ?

200km and good luck hope you get it sorted soon.

 

[artisan2demain]

200km and good luck hope you get it sorted soon.

Hi Wade, got in touch with Jax. Sadly he already sold your gearbox, he's offering another with 250k on the clock. How trustworthy is he ? Can I trust him with the condition of the part ?
Thank you

 

[Wadepat2]

Hi Wade, got in touch with Jax. Sadly he already sold your gearbox, he's offering another with 250k on the clock. How trustworthy is he ? Can I trust him with the condition of the part ?
Thank you

The job he did for my manual swap was good . All parts he said would be new where new oem and the used gearbox is solid. I would trust him if I needed another trans .

 

[artisan2demain]

The job he did for my manual swap was good . All parts he said would be new where new oem and the used gearbox is solid. I would trust him if I needed another trans .

Good to hear your recommendation. I will consider buying his used gearbox.
Do you think 250k is still fine for a used transmission ?
Other buyers have sent me pictures of transmissions in yards of sharjah and dubai.
Under what criteria would you choose the right used part ? Apart from mileage, I don't where to begin...
Thank you!

 

[Wadepat2]

Good to hear your recommendation. I will consider buying his used gearbox.
Do you think 250k is still fine for a used transmission ?
Other buyers have sent me pictures of transmissions in yards of sharjah and dubai.
Under what criteria would you choose the right used part ? Apart from mileage, I don't where to begin...
Thank you!

Honestly, it's the Middle East and you never really know. Just like in US where I'm from there are shady people but here its more difficult to get real "google" reviews. Go with the shop that has been around awhile and get it in email or whatsapp what the warranty should be.
Jax's yard is typical yard but he is stand up guy with a lot more to lose then most. He is a pilot for Air Arabia in Sharjah that runs family yard in between work. 250km is nothing for a442f in my opinion.

Is there really no LC auto transmissions local? Seems like there would be plenty in Oman. If the same yard that sells it can install and warranty it that always best.
If you were in UAE you could get it to Jaxs yard by recovery truck. That would be better then shipping it to Oman in my opinion. They can install, check everything then if anything is wrong you can have them fix it.

End of the day most transmissions with miles in that range are likely fine. It's crazy Dexol Oman said transmissions and transfer case where linked from R to L. Dexol in Dubai is very solid shop for a rebuild from what I have seen.

@Bardiya is here on the forum and has Instagram Jumeirah.parts He is in UAE and can source used parts also. He is very knowledgeable and could likely also point you in best direction. I have limited info for used parts outside of Jax swapping in a used manual. All the other parts i have bought here are new.

 

[DubaiLC100]

Again thank you for taking the time to reply!

"So the transmission fully does not work in reverse and only partially works in the other gears."
YES

Regarding the transfer case shifter, I have to admit I have never used the car on anything else than H (never felt the need)
Now that I think about it, I remember we tried to put it on L a few times - just to try - and weren't able to do so.
Just as you said, it seemed to be stuck there.

The dexol mechanic in Oman told me R and L are connected on this car, what do you think ?

For the transfer case shifter, since you never used it.... did you have your transmission in Neutral?