Fiat 9 speed automatic

We have the exactly the same problem on our new van it’s been in fiat 2weeks and they still have not done it, saying they can’t find the fault.   Obviously there is a fault and I’m so happy someone else has this error. 

if any can phone me to discuss this issue it would be great as we need to get this sorted.   

07971 058201.   Peter.  

We have the same fault not going into gear correctly and going into neutral at a stop sign the jumping back into gear when you loose the pedal and jumping forward.     

note only happens when stop start is switched off

Hey - so I haven't had this fault, but for all of those with a Fiat Ducato 9-speed auto, Fiat have confirmed this as a 'design'.  If you are driving along the motorway say at 60>70, it will sit in 8th gear (especially if in Eco-mode).  If you switch to manual mode, it will then say change up a gear (to 9th) and you will get approx 4mpg more.

Fiat have explained that the software for the gearbox has been written to keep the revs higher, so I move mine into manual model when on motorways etc.  

Any one else noticing this?

Personally, I nearly always used mine in auto and rarely in eco mode because it lost so much performance. I also hardly ever used it in manual mode because the auto worked superbly.

I think it’s possible that by using 9th gear and less revs it may encourage more frequent burning off of the DPF. 

I have the same problem.  I have a 2022 reg Adria Twin Supreme on a Fiat chassis.  It’s 160bhp, 9 speed automatic transmission.  From a standing start when I release the brake pedal I get a juddering start rather than a smooth slow movement. I usually have the automatic Stop/Start function inhibited.  I haven’t reported it yet but I have questioned members of the Adria Campervan forum and they all tell me this isn’t right.  I know you posted your issue a while ago and I’ve just joined this group so I know the thread is quite old.  My question is… did you find out what the problem was?   Any fixes?

Thanks for any info. 

We have a 2020 model. It does exactly the same. Been into Fiat twice “yes it has a fault, cannot find it”. Only has 7k on clock been off road more than on.  Has anyone found a satisfactory resolution yet? Other than getting rid of it. 

This box is supposed to be a game changer according to the motor home press,I have a 2023 symbol I must say I am very disappointed with it so far,it’s very lumpy at low speed only done 2000 miles. Keeps changing from 9 to 8 then back to 9 up and down on a perfectly flat motorway ,the fuel consumption is up and down by 4 miles per gallon.

Are you using it in economy mode, Bronco? The performance is pretty dire in that mode as it will always try to keep in a high gear. Alternatively, you might be driving at a speed that’s borderline between the two gears.

Our 9 speed boxes when in auto mode did not show which gear was selected, only 'D' was displayed so it was not possible to know which gear the box was using.

777 - the 9 speed comfortmatic gearbox was introduced in 2015 by ZF to numerous vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Many of these manufacturers have experienced faults similar to those described in replies to your post.

For a history of this gearbox search Wikipedia for “ZF 9HP transmission”. This will show the manufacturers using this gearbox, and when they started.

The following link details Fiat-Chrysler / FCA (and by default, Ducato) issues with the gearbox and several recalls called for in the USA.

https://www.transmissionrepaircostguide.com/zf-9hp48/

Although the idea of a 9 speed gearbox appears good, there are either design or programming issues that lead to the faults owners have detailed. Given that the gearboxes have been around since 2015, it is astonishing that there is not a solution found yet. One also has to wonder how re-programming the control of a system that may have internal wiring harness issues will allow full use of all designed parameters without replacing the wiring harness?

the following link is an in-depth description of the ZF9HP gearbox’s operation;

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/zfs-9-speed-9hp-transmission-puts-dog-clutches-on-the-leash/

Maybe, knowing how the gearbox works will change your thinking about the ‘feel’ of the gearchange? There is, however, no doubt that delays in engaging gears or selecting false neutrals can be very dangerous - and needs sorting asap.

If you are suffering faults or issues of any kind, it may be prudent to contact your Fiat Ducato service centre and ask questions about the recalls in America …..!!

We have a odd problem on our 2022 2000 mile  model. When slowing at a roundabout in will go into 2nd and the revs will fall to idle at about 10mph as I am rolling, if I spot a gap and rapidly accelerate, there will be a thump as it rengages 2nd.  Very annoyingly  I think I will mention it to fiat when I return from holiday.