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P1800 / P1800ES

1961-1973 / Coupe / Shooting Brake / Sweden

All P1800 / P1800ES problems All workshop issues
Common Transmission and Drivetrain

M40/M41 overdrive failure

Symptoms

Overdrive won't engage, kicks out under load, makes a grinding or whining noise, leaks oil.

Cause

The M40 and M41 overdrives are reliable if serviced, but most haven't been. Clutch cone wear, solenoid failure, low oil, incorrect oil (ATF, not gear oil), and internal wear are common.

Fix

Check the oil level first, it should be filled with ATF (Dexron III).

Top up and try again.

If the solenoid isn't clicking, test it (12V supply).

If it still won't engage, the clutch cone or internal parts are worn, gearbox out, strip, rebuild.

Specialist shops can rebuild these, or you can do it yourself with patience and a workshop manual.

Budget $800-1500 for a professional rebuild.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $800-1500 for a

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Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Worn synchros (manual gearbox)

Gears crunch going into second, reverse grinds, hard to select gears when cold.
Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Propshaft centre bearing failure

Vibration at speed, rumbling or droning noise, clunking when taking up drive.
Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Differential whine and backlash

Whining noise from the rear axle, clunking when changing direction (forward to reverse), vibration.
Common Engine

Oil leaks from rear main seal

Oil weeps or pours from the back of the engine, usually visible around the bellhousing. Can soak the clutch on manual cars.
Common Engine

Piston ring wear and oil consumption (B18/B20)

Blue smoke on startup or under load. Engine uses a litre of oil every 500-1000 km. Exhaust tips go black and sooty.
Common Engine

Timing gear wear and rattle (B18)

Rattling or chattering noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold start or at idle. Sometimes a metallic ticking that doesn't go away when warm.
View all 28 P1800 / P1800ES problems