AEC engined and un-refurbished RM238 drives beautifully and the automatic gear changes are perfect. Recently I noticed that I couldn't select 2nd or 3rd gears manually, effectively leaving me only able to drive in automatic mode. The automatic panel found 2nd & 3rd gears without any difficulty.

It sounded like an electrical problem and it was. Cleaning the contacts on the automatic panel plug and socket next to the terminal block (Christmas tree) behind the drivers head with UB40 solved the problem.

Interestingly it is not possible to select third gear manually unless the panel detects that the bus is moving! I believe that the panel is set up like this on purpose.

My bus number (if any): RMs 238, 471 & 2213

Hi Chris

It is, this was to prevent Drivers pulling away in 3rd gear, a common problem with RT/RF etc buses with attendant wear on the gear train discs.

Claire :-)

My bus number (if any): 2330 etc.

Hi Chris,
What could be better than driving a routemaster with a bit of UB40 in the background . Not too loud though , wouldn't want to drown that 590 out !!

mark , RML2391

PS have you got any more running days at the nvr ?

My bus number (if any): RML2391