Did a day's off-roading in the Disco (300Tdi with EDC, ZF auto) on Saturday and got the front end submerged in wet mud several times. On the way back to the campsite it started to play up. Medium to full throttle, no problem. Idling or over-run, no problem. But on a smidgin of throttle (going through villages etc) the revs were dying back to zero and then coming back intermittently, and the "check engine" light was flashing at the same time. Back at the site, I found nothing wrong/missing/loose under the bonnet, but the transmission oil cooler was clogged with mud throughout its length. I tried to clear it out with a hose, but not very successfully. Next day, towing a caravan, it did about 5 hilly miles and then as we were climbing a long hill it started making horrendous squeaking noises (as if from a stone caught between brake disc and mudshield) and the transmission overheat light came on. When we stopped, there was a very hot smell coming from underneath. Transmission oil level was OK (bearing in mind that the rig was hot and it should be measured cold) - at least there was oil on the stick. We rested it for a while and then carried on very gently, and got home without further problems. Holding it down in lower gears seemed to help.
I pressure-washed the transmission oil cooler and got it completely clear, and I have had no problems in the 2 days since, although I haven't tried towing yet.
Questions:
- Could the two problems (engine and gearbox) be related? If so, why? Intercooler/engine oil cooler/radiator were not affected, and the engine temp was normal throughout.
- Assuming no further occurrences, could I have caused long-term damage to the autobox?
Anything else I should do?
Thanks for any info.