What would cause an auto gearbox to surge. I have heard alot of people talking bout it but i want to know exactly what happens when this happens and what is the cause/solution to fix the problem. I know something is wrong with my auto but don't know what. I think it may be surging but im not sure so any advice from other peoples problems with their auto surging would be great.

Thanks heaps guys.

describe what your gearbox is doing - it mught help a bit!

It's hard to describe but it feels like its jolting. Not a heap but when im driving at say 100km i can feel the car jolting slightly when at a constant speed. it might not be the auto but the plugs/leads are new and it's only just started to get worse in the last two days. What can it be???

Hi there,

We have a i6 EL Fairmont automatic which is surging also, I believe its the same thing.

At about 60km/h on light throttle changes between load and off-load (cresting a slight rise or cruising on flats) for no reason it will kickdown to 2nd then return back to "D" again, or so it feels like. Sometimes (annoyingly) 3 or 4 times in quick sucession. Each time accompanied by a disturbing "Thunk" and shudder from the box.

I'm not sure if the torque converter is failing (letting the revs rise a little with the throttle still being applied) then snatching the gear back again from 2nd, or if its actually dropping quickly from "D" to 2nd then back to "D" again.

When I put the lever in 2nd while driving it stops it, but its tiresome reving higher than necessary at 60km/h.

I had the car in to get the HT leads and ignitor packs replaced for an unrelated missfire problem and the problem went away for about an month, but now its coming back again.

I'm suspecting a vacuum or some sort of electrical connection somwhere is the culprit, but I havent had it sent away to be diagnosed yet.


Any suggestions?

hey guys

is the box in "Econ" or normal?

Mine does the same thing whilst in 'Econ', but is perfectly normal in 'normal' (besides the fact it needs an overhaul)

just have a look down next time and see what its in.

It will do it in either position.

ah ok, just thought it mighta been something simple! (hope, cos hard things are expensive things )

the auto on my box done that and it was because it was somehow using the reverse clutches at the same time it went for a few days then i lost reverse altogether. the clutches all burnt out ended up needing an overhaul. reverse was like being in neutral after that and it no longer surged. luckilly i was at the transmission place when the clutches gave in all together.