Changing AU auto transmission fluid

[Maka]

For piece of mind, if possible get the pro's to do it. The burnt smell could also be bands & or cluch plate material (the trans specialist will cut open & inspect the old filter for any friction material) they will know what to do adjustment wise to make the gearbox last longer.

Iirc the band adjustment on btr's arent very simple, burnt oil smell & colour indicates it hasnt been looked at for a while, your transmission probably needs expert tlc imo. Good luck with it!

cheers, Maka

[TRAU BLAU]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

big difference between fixing a leak and doing a proper transmission service , I doubt you would have the skills or equipment to do the job properly and doing a half job is just throwing good money after bad.
the BTR aren't a bad transmission but good maintenance is essential of they won't last.
that having been said as I mentioned earlier the burnt smell probably spells the beginning of the end, the best you could hope for is a bit of an extension of it's life with a proper service. the burnt smell is from the friction materials slipping, if it is the bands slipping a good service may take the slack up and get you a bit of extra life

I got an email back from the trans specialists & it read,"bands are shim-set on manufacture & are not adjustable & a full-flush is extra".How much extra on top of the $210 they did not say!As far as I can see it should be a simple job to just drop the pan,change filter,0-ring & gasket & fill it up to level.Better than nothing & poss.do it again in 6 months.

[Maka]

Denny, taken from the link below (thanks FordMods)-

"On a EF - BF BTR trans, The band adjustments are done by selective shims,but the valvebody has to be removed & compressed air applied to the servo apply port & measure the distance when the band is fully applied."

That auto transmission joint should know better lol! Completely read the link for a better idea -

http://www.fordmods.com/gearbox-susp...nt-t74909.html

cheers, Maka

[FGII-XR6]

I would go to a transmission specialist who knows what he is doing and does not wear a blue and white striped apron

Originally Posted by Denny

I got an email back from the trans specialists & it read,"bands are shim-set on manufacture & are not adjustable & a full-flush is extra".How much extra on top of the $210 they did not say!As far as I can see it should be a simple job to just drop the pan,change filter,0-ring & gasket & fill it up to level.Better than nothing & poss.do it again in 6 months.

[transolutions]

Originally Posted by Denny

Yes,they want $210 for the service here in Cairns,which probably isn't a full-flush.I'll see what the parts cost next week & call the auto specialists & see what they say will be done for $210.Then weigh it all up.Altho.it is a good feeling to do the job yourself.Like I fixed the cam-bolt leak & oil-switch thru the info that I got from youse fellas notes.

Geez thats prices I normally charge $120 with a flush new filter pan gasket and adjust bands if need be but I'm in Sydney them carines folk are charging threw the roof for a simple cheap transmission like the btr

[DRAGN6]

Hey Guys,
just after some professional advice here, as this entire thread has just been a really good read.

A LOT of the above members really know there stuff and would love any of their input.

Here it goes:
Recently swapped my BA Fairlane [740*** on clock] with a 2001 XR6 [303*** on clock]
The guy I did the swap with mentioned it having a slipping gearbox and I naturally thought "okay, Do a Trans Service ie: Flush, Filter & Fluid replacement etc".
Since owning it just over a week now, it hasn't been too bad really and have quite literally been only limping it around town here. I went to go out in it Yesterday and discovered that I had no reverse. I put it into 'Drive' and he moves forward, into reverse and NO reverse
I put it into reverse once more, built revs up a little [around 1500rpm] and I felt it grab, then heard a 'clunk'. Instantly, put it into park and shut him down.

Personally, I have a feeling it's not going to be the simple Flush etc as I was hoping it was going to be.
Haven't got the $$ to have it inspected yet, so thought that I would get some advice from you guys first. And since there are no real Trans Specialists in my town, it means taking the XR6 1.5hrs away, to my nearest repairer.

The simple question is this: Do I just do the Flush etc, check trans switch, all the usual things OR just rip this box out and get a new one??

I'd appreciate any feedback and apologise for the long description, but wanted to be thorough in describing my issue.

Cheers Guys,
Dave [Dragn6]

[redxm]

check the fluid level first

[transolutions]

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

Hey Guys,
just after some professional advice here, as this entire thread has just been a really good read.

A LOT of the above members really know there stuff and would love any of their input.

Here it goes:
Recently swapped my BA Fairlane [740*** on clock] with a 2001 XR6 [303*** on clock]
The guy I did the swap with mentioned it having a slipping gearbox and I naturally thought "okay, Do a Trans Service ie: Flush, Filter & Fluid replacement etc".
Since owning it just over a week now, it hasn't been too bad really and have quite literally been only limping it around town here. I went to go out in it Yesterday and discovered that I had no reverse. I put it into 'Drive' and he moves forward, into reverse and NO reverse
I put it into reverse once more, built revs up a little [around 1500rpm] and I felt it grab, then heard a 'clunk'. Instantly, put it into park and shut him down.

Personally, I have a feeling it's not going to be the simple Flush etc as I was hoping it was going to be.
Haven't got the $$ to have it inspected yet, so thought that I would get some advice from you guys first. And since there are no real Trans Specialists in my town, it means taking the XR6 1.5hrs away, to my nearest repairer.

The simple question is this: Do I just do the Flush etc, check trans switch, all the usual things OR just rip this box out and get a new one??

I'd appreciate any feedback and apologise for the long description, but wanted to be thorough in describing my issue.

Cheers Guys,
Dave [Dragn6]

Hey mate sorry to say sounds like it needs a rebuild what happens to these boxes they flake the clutch linings and they have a pressure solenoid issue and a few bushes move that stop or restrict oil flow. Pretty normal for a btr but not to costly compared to other transmissions.

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by transolutions

Hey mate sorry to say sounds like it needs a rebuild what happens to these boxes they flake the clutch linings and they have a pressure solenoid issue and a few bushes move that stop or restrict oil flow. Pretty normal for a btr but not to costly compared to other transmissions.

Yep, as I expected mate.
Depending on the extent of damage, I have heard also that the BTRs tend to 'WELD' when ran dry on fluid etc.
At the end of the day, would it be more cost effective to have this box rebuilt [naturally IF in okay condition, I'd prefer to keep the original] or just do a full box replacement?? [one with warranty etc] I know it's hard to judge, as I am yet to have a specialist look at it, but in all honesty, YOU GUYS [forum members]are good and I appreciate the help

[Maka]

Hi DRAGN6, with 303kay on the clock & it showing obvious signs of trauma, replace the transmission, its at the end of its life (assuming its the stock box). Check your fluid level first to verify, if low top up & test, go from there. If its still doing it & your really keen, pull the pan & rip out the filter & cut it open - it could be full of clutch plate material like mine was- stuffed auto! If getting a reco get extended warranty as a priority. Good luck with it mate!

cheers,Maka

[JC]

I had slipping reverse in our 1998 XR6 Auto a few years ago now, with similar symptoms to what you have described - topped up fluid, and all was good. So you might be lucky.

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by Maka

Hi DRAGN6, with 303kay on the clock & it showing obvious signs of trauma, replace the transmission, its at the end of its life (assuming its the stock box). Check your fluid level first to verify, if low top up & test, go from there. If its still doing it & your really keen, pull the pan & rip out the filter & cut it open - it could be full of clutch plate material like mine was- stuffed auto! If getting a reco get extended warranty as a priority. Good luck with it mate!

cheers,Maka

Hey Maka,
Mate, you're a top guy
You don't beat about the bush and tell it how it is. I really appreciate those traits in people '
My instinct just says to purely replace the box, so yes your opinion means much to me.
May I just throw this in the mix quickly and NOT intending to change the topic of this thread at all, but in doing trans, I will be inspecting the trans cooler etc. Since buying this XR6, the thermo fans run constant and not as 'Thermo Controlled' as they should. Temp sensor needs replacing, but motor doesn't get hot. In saying the ^^ above, this would also affect trans cooling etc, correct?
If so, then I'd suggest that I personally, get all that functioning properly, prior to the install of the new box.
Would I be on the right track there??

CHEERS for the input guys, greatly appreciated

[transolutions]

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

Yep, as I expected mate.
Depending on the extent of damage, I have heard also that the BTRs tend to 'WELD' when ran dry on fluid etc.
At the end of the day, would it be more cost effective to have this box rebuilt [naturally IF in okay condition, I'd prefer to keep the original] or just do a full box replacement?? [one with warranty etc] I know it's hard to judge, as I am yet to have a specialist look at it, but in all honesty, YOU GUYS [forum members]are good and I appreciate the help

At the end of the day it is up to you if you get a reco box it probably had the same issues as yours so if you can find an honest builder should cost less or have a reco ready to go for you for a bit more or you could chance a wreaked they can tell you it is a low km box but who knows the real story never know it might make warranty then fail same as yours a builder will give warranty to and if you have a problem after warranty they normally look after you for coming back. I'm pretty sure you not going to buy a brand new box but yes first of all check your oil levels

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by transolutions

At the end of the day it is up to you if you get a reco box it probably had the same issues as yours so if you can find an honest builder should cost less or have a reco ready to go for you for a bit more or you could chance a wreaked they can tell you it is a low km box but who knows the real story never know it might make warranty then fail same as yours a builder will give warranty to and if you have a problem after warranty they normally look after you for coming back. I'm pretty sure you not going to buy a brand new box but yes first of all check your oil levels

^^ Too Easy Guys

Time to buy a jack and some stands [Got Ramps], as the guy didn't even include a jack with the XR6
This XR6 sits wayyyyy too low for ramps, so getting jacks etc, then will do my inspection/fluid level

You have all now supplied me with enough information, for me to 'go away' and do what needs to be done.

Thankyou for verifying my instincts guys, I shall now go and order tooling etc.

CHEERS and once again, MUCH appreciated

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by JC

I had slipping reverse in our 1998 XR6 Auto a few years ago now, with similar symptoms to what you have described - topped up fluid, and all was good. So you might be lucky.

Hey Mate,
sorry, missed your post
All goes well, then I could only hope that I am as lucky as you were.
I just didn't like the 'Clunk' that it made, when it did finally select reverse and haven't driven it since.

[transolutions]

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

^^ Too Easy Guys

Time to buy a jack and some stands [Got Ramps], as the guy didn't even include a jack with the XR6
This XR6 sits wayyyyy too low for ramps, so getting jacks etc, then will do my inspection/fluid level

You have all now supplied me with enough information, for me to 'go away' and do what needs to be done.

Thankyou for verifying my instincts guys, I shall now go and order tooling etc.

CHEERS and once again, MUCH appreciated

No worries mate hope it all works out

[aussiblue]

See http://www.ellery.com.au/pdf/Update%20EP.TRANF.pdf for band adjustment.

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

See http://www.ellery.com.au/pdf/Update%20EP.TRANF.pdf for band adjustment.

Cheers Mate,
I'll have a GOOD read of that shortly, manuals etc are always useful and in just reading the first part ............. Ohhhhhhhh jOY

Much appreciated, now to get my tooling and my CB250 home

[Maka]

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

Hey Maka,
Mate, you're a top guy
You don't beat about the bush and tell it how it is. I really appreciate those traits in people '
My instinct just says to purely replace the box, so yes your opinion means much to me.
May I just throw this in the mix quickly and NOT intending to change the topic of this thread at all, but in doing trans, I will be inspecting the trans cooler etc. Since buying this XR6, the thermo fans run constant and not as 'Thermo Controlled' as they should. Temp sensor needs replacing, but motor doesn't get hot. In saying the ^^ above, this would also affect trans cooling etc, correct?
If so, then I'd suggest that I personally, get all that functioning properly, prior to the install of the new box.
Would I be on the right track there??

CHEERS for the input guys, greatly appreciated

Thanks for the kind words mate! My original auto transmission suffered the no reverse syndrome also! I purchased a reco with extended warranty, run into some issues that stopped the transmission operating the way i like during the warranty period but because of the extended warranty & i'm a regular customer of the transmission shop, we worked together getting it right - now i have a near new transmission with new planetary gears etc & no 1st gear whine! Tamworth Auto Transmissions (selfish little plug lol!) looked after me awesomely!

Yes its a good idea to get your fans working properly, can you confirm the fans start operating when the temp needle hits the first line under the N of Normal (80c) on the temp gauge when stopped & the fans cutout above 20- 25 kmh when moving off? If you cant confirm, check & swap around your fan relays in the fuse box under the bonnet - you may have a faulty relay.

cheers, Maka

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by Maka

Thanks for the kind words mate! My original auto transmission suffered the no reverse syndrome also! I purchased a reco with extended warranty, run into some issues that stopped the transmission operating the way i like during the warranty period but because of the extended warranty & i'm a regular customer of the transmission shop, we worked together getting it right - now i have a near new transmission with new planetary gears etc & no 1st gear whine! Tamworth Auto Transmissions (selfish little plug lol!) looked after me awesomely!

Yes its a good idea to get your fans working properly, can you confirm the fans start operating when the temp needle hits the first line under the N of Normal (80c) on the temp gauge when stopped & the fans cutout above 20- 25 kmh when moving off? If you cant confirm, check & swap around your fan relays in the fuse box under the bonnet - you may have a faulty relay.

cheers, Maka

Hey Maka,
In all honesty, I haven't done the full inspection of relays etc as yet, as have only driven it about 5 times around town since owning it.
The guy I got the XR6 from, did inform me that the Temp Sensor was damaged by someone a few weeks back and I'm considering swapping it with the one from Dragn6, if they are compatible
Some things are compatible between the AU series and some things aren't lol. Swapping/buying new temp sensor is actually highest on my priorities list right now, just gotta find my damn Allen Keys

Once changed the Temp Sensor, then I will fire it up and see IF the needle starts to move at all

Cheers Maka

[Maka]

No worries DRAGN6, i hope its something cheap & easy for you to fix! Good luck with it!

Cheers, Maka

[ronwest]

Originally Posted by Maka

Tamworth Auto Transmissions

Quite a few years ago we had a Verada that insisted on slipping into Limp Home mode. Anyhoo, $3000 later it was repaired and we left on the Fri afternoon to drive to Sydney.

Got to Armidale and the pos went into Limp Home mode again.

What to do?
Tow truck back to Bris for warranty repair didn't sound wonderful.

Booked into motel and on the Sat morning into yellow pages for auto guy in Armidale. At the time we couldn't find one but a mechanic told us that if we could get it down to Tamworth he'd ring his mate at Tamworth Auto Transmissions and get him to have a look at it for us.

Got it down there, well past their Saturday closing time, but the guy waited for us. Told him the story..... just rebuilt but exactly the same symptoms etc etc.

He had a bit of a fiddle around, got a spanner and screwdriver, removed something, cleaned it up and put it back on and voila! Good as new.

Turned out the contacts in the TPS were corroded and that's what caused the Limp Home issue.

Were we ripped off for an apparent $3000 "repair". All he said was to see if the problem recurred and we could make up our own mind about that.

All was good so I'd say we were :(

He wouldn't accept anything for staying back helping us out but I wrote to the local Tamworth paper when we home telling them about the incident and how happy we were with T.A.T.

[redxm]

+1 for another thumbs up for TATS
Opened up on a sunday for me to drop off dad's AU when it played up. Ended up being an electrical plug inside the box. It was fixed for under $100.

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by redxm

+1 for another thumbs up for TATS
Opened up on a sunday for me to drop off dad's AU when it played up. Ended up being an electrical plug inside the box. It was fixed for under $100.

GUYS!! Yas are making me want to get my car to Tamworth, but I'm in SA

I have actually heard from a couple of others here in SA, that Tamworth is the place to go, so yeah, IF I was up there, I'd be there
Gonna work on doing a FLUSH etc in 1.5 weeks and get what I can done in the mean time

Ohhh and to those that gave me feedback regarding the Temp Sensor, Turns out the idiot has removed it and put a grub screw or something in there instead. Finally found it and now dealing with that ...... annnnnnd, upon my inspections, have also found no trans cooler
Tow hitch and no trans cooler?? some people, I tell yas

[DRAGN6]

Hey Guys,
Finally got car jacked up 'Perfectly Level'!! Yes, Perfectly Level, went as far as testing the oil pan with a spirit level

You wouldn't believe it, but I received the opposite, to what I was expecting.
Instead of taking the filler plug out and it being low on fluid, removed filler plug almost all the way and fluid literally came gushing out at me
NOT what I was expecting, so yeah, looking forward to a hot shower

Nothing in my manual tells me what would cause this issue, but obviously, it's been overfilled, but, would being overfilled, cause the gearbox to slip, now lose reverse and wanna jump forward when in 'Park'??
It's simply gonna sit like it is until next week, when I get another mate to come and take a look. Gonna drain the fluid, remove filter etc and do a full inspection plus maybe flush, pending the inspection of gears etc

In all honesty, I think it's gonna come down to a new gearbox, but doing everything I can to avoid spending good $$ lol

Cheers Guys,
Dave

[TRAU BLAU]

oes anyone know much about the VSS{vehicle speed sender[sensor]**that hides up top of the extension of the box?I've got a slow but persistent leak coming from up there & am wondering if it's the old O ring worn again.Has anyone fixed one of these-as usual it's hard to get to.I may as well fix this before changing fluid.

[FGII-XR6]

I'm assuming your car has a dipstick. not standard on the AU but some do have them fitted if the transmission has been out. the reason the got rid of the dipstick is people were overfilling causing problems. it is hard to overfill if there is no dipstick as it just runs out the hole.

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

Hey Guys,
Finally got car jacked up 'Perfectly Level'!! Yes, Perfectly Level, went as far as testing the oil pan with a spirit level

You wouldn't believe it, but I received the opposite, to what I was expecting.
Instead of taking the filler plug out and it being low on fluid, removed filler plug almost all the way and fluid literally came gushing out at me
NOT what I was expecting, so yeah, looking forward to a hot shower

Nothing in my manual tells me what would cause this issue, but obviously, it's been overfilled, but, would being overfilled, cause the gearbox to slip, now lose reverse and wanna jump forward when in 'Park'??
It's simply gonna sit like it is until next week, when I get another mate to come and take a look. Gonna drain the fluid, remove filter etc and do a full inspection plus maybe flush, pending the inspection of gears etc

In all honesty, I think it's gonna come down to a new gearbox, but doing everything I can to avoid spending good $$ lol

Cheers Guys,
Dave

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

I'm assuming your car has a dipstick. not standard on the AU but some do have them fitted if the transmission has been out. the reason the got rid of the dipstick is people were overfilling causing problems. it is hard to overfill if there is no dipstick as it just runs out the hole.

nah mate, no dippy
IF correct and my instinct is on the money, then what I think has happened, is that the filter has blocked so badly, giving fluid nowhere to go and simply built up in the pan.
In simple terms, no fluid cycling happening due to blocked filter.
Gonna drain and inspect today hopefully
I'm hoping that my GEARBOX issue is ALL being caused by a blocked filter, can honestly only hope

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by DRAGN6

nah mate, no dippy
IF correct and my instinct is on the money, then what I think has happened, is that the filter has blocked so badly, giving fluid nowhere to go and simply built up in the pan.
In simple terms, no fluid cycling happening due to blocked filter.
Gonna drain and inspect today hopefully
I'm hoping that my GEARBOX issue is ALL being caused by a blocked filter, can honestly only hope

A blocked filter won't increase overall fluid volume if it was so blocked that the fluid wasn't moving at all the car wouldn't move as the transmission relies on pressure to operate the hydraulics ( actuated by the solenoids). the filter is on the intake side not the outlet side of the fluid path

[DRAGN6]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

A blocked filter won't increase overall fluid volume if it was so blocked that the fluid wasn't moving at all the car wouldn't move as the transmission relies on pressure to operate the hydraulics ( actuated by the solenoids). the filter is on the intake side not the outlet side of the fluid path

Yep Yep, Gotcha
Honestly though, right now, my instinct is pointing to Filter for some reason.
My initial instinct was just to rip this box out and replace it, but as you see, I'm not a quitter and love to learn NEW stuff.
These AUs are keeping me constantly learning and even in owning my S1 Classic for 4yrs now, still learning heaps more about her too

Originally Posted by Denny

oes anyone know much about the VSS{vehicle speed sender[sensor]**that hides up top of the extension of the box?I've got a slow but persistent leak coming from up there & am wondering if it's the old O ring worn again.Has anyone fixed one of these-as usual it's hard to get to.I may as well fix this before changing fluid.

Sorry my friend, just saw your post.
As you see, I too am learning about these things. I can refer to my manual, but in all fairness, these guys on here are a hell of a lot more knowledgeable than any manual