Operation of ZF 4 Speed Auto

[Nigel W]

I have had my ZF box fitted for some time now, and am very pleased with it.However, I recently noticed that I can manually hold it back to 3rd and 2nd but not first. Is this simply an adjustment issue or is it correct? if it does need adjusting is it simple to do? TIA

[DJT]

I have seen a few ZF conversions where there is insufficient movement to bring the lever back to first. For 99% of users this is not a problem as most auto drivers put it into D and leave it there until they stop or want to go backwards. When I did my own conversion I made the change mechanism so that all gears can be selected, but in the last 8 years I think I have only used 1st a handful of times, if that.

[mole42]

Mine certainly holds in 1st if I select it - and does every time I descend a certain hill near Porlock or an Alpine pass..... My selector lever used to foul on the plastic cover until I adjusted it - in fact I remember when I bought the car, the PO said that to select 1st it was necessary to remove the cover.... but I don't remember if adjustment was simple or not, it's been many years since that adjustment. Is yours a Tate & Lyle conversion? If so, it may be worth asking them.

[Goldstar]

Is yours a Tate & Lyle conversion? If so, it may be worth asking them.

bound to run sweetly if it is

[mole42]

Oh sugar, I knew I’d got it wrong……please don’t beet me up for it.

[Nigel W]

Thanks for the feedback, very useful. Yes mine is a Tate and Lewis one done about 4 years ago. I will do a little light investigation now I know that it should hold in 1st. Clive Tate does not live a million miles from me, so if its not obvious I will get in touch with him.