Alphard Auto box issue

[Madmac666]

Hi all, I don't own an Alphard but I look after one for a friend who has no mechanical ability to fix it. I was hoping for advice and help from some of you more knowledgeable members please

It's a 2007 Alphard 2.4 4wd auto with 93000km. There's an issue with engaging drive, worse when it's cold. It otherwise drives well and changes up/down smoothly.

Selecting drive, it often won't engage for 10+ seconds and it's intermittent, but getting worse. Once warm it engages ok 95 times out of 100 ish. All other gears it engages every time  just drive seems to be the problem gear.

I have changed the oil and filter which was pretty dirty and it hasn't made any difference. I wondered if it could be a sticky solenoid that may have debris trapped and clean oil might flush it out? I have limited knowledge of auto boxes, and zero experience with this particular gearbox.

Can anyone offer advice as to what it could be and how I might be able to fix this for him?

Thanks in advance

 

[Bper]

Hi Donald, 

One common issue with 2002-2008 Alphards is transmission problems. Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, such as shifting delays or hard shifting. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a malfunctioning solenoid or a faulty torque converter.

Hope this helps