MB1 Transmission parts, repair guidelines, problems, manuals

Transmission general data

mb1.jpg?1513343325834 The 3-speed automatic transmission Renault MB1 was released in the early 1980-s. This transmission was used for many Renault vehicles, such as Renault 5, 9, 11, 19, Clio and Twingo.

This transmission has 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear which are combined in the uniform unit with the drive gear and electronically-controlled differential. The oil pump is activated by the engine shaft via the torque converter and transmits the oil under pressure to the gearbox, where it is used as a lubricant and for controlling actuators.

Number of gearsTransmission TypeDriveTorque (Nm)ATF (full capacity) LATF (change) LATF type
3ATFWD1505,13,5Dexron III

Technical issues and repair guidelines

The most widespread malfunctions of MB1:

• Gear fails to switch on. Any malfunction of solenoid-controlled valves of the hydraulic distributor switches the automatic transmission into emergency mode.

• Oil leakages. In many cases car owners are bothered by ATF leakages. Usually the oil leaks at the junction of the motor and the automatic transmission.

• Critical breakdowns. Low oil level and the pressure loss caused by the valve breakdown lead to burn-out of friction plates.

• Shifting failure. A poor valve body breaks before reaching 100 thousand kilometers. This problem has the following symptoms: jerks, kicks and failure of some gears.

According to transmission repair specialists the resource of this transmission is equal to 100 - 150 thousand kilometers, but it is very unlikely that this transmission will cover such distance without any repairs.

Which cars run with this gearbox?