Thread: Pending Transmission problem?

Maybe this is the calm before the storm.

Went out 4WD'ing on the weekend and the transmission was fine off road, probably 'coz most of the time it was in Low-1,2,3. Driving home from the Brindabellas (approx 40Km) it seemed ok until the last 10Km where I don't think it upshifted to 4th at all.

This morning the transmission was it's usual obnoxious self and wouldn't shift up to 4th until the engine warmed up (approx 3-5mins), although I could feel it trying to shift up.

Went out a couple of times during the day and although it was a bit hesitant to shift at times, there was no jerking when it did shift.

Is this sounding more like a programming problem than a mechanical one? There are still no faults reported on the dash.

Also changed over the TPS tonight so will see if this has any effect tomorrow.

Cheers, Paul.

I have been following this thread without comment as I do not know much about the later electronic transmission.

However , as the trans is electronically controlled by the ECU, the FIRST thing I would be doing is dismantling and cleaning the connectors between the trans and the ECU. It is pretty well known that there is a possibility for water to get into the connector nearest the trans.

AFAIK the main causes of poor shifting is a problem with electronic control, either the connections or the solonoids themselves. I also think you would know about a bad MAF from very poor economy, and a TPS would usually show as a "tip in" miss IE on take off or at the bottom of a hill.

When was the trans last serviced?
If the fluid is filthy and the filter screen full of crap, then this could affect the shifts, but if it is that bad you will be up for some big money.
Regards Philip A

Thanks for the suggestions PhilipA - I'll check and clean the ECU connectors. My car does get pretty dirty, muddy and a bit wet sometimes - just as the maker intended

After changing the TPS over last night, no real noticable difference to how the car behaved today. Still reluctant to shift up to 4th when cold, but pretty good once it warms up.

The transmission had a service last week - new filter and 5L of Dexron ATF, no faults found by the AutoLogic. The mechanic reckoned there was more metal filings in there than "normal" and that the filter was pretty bad.

Cheers, Paul.