AuIII Fairmont trans question

[cblaxall]

Hi forum gurus,
I have an '02 Fairmont (on dual fuel) that is really good nick but came with a few niggly gremlins. 90% of then are fixed thanks to this forum (window switches, fuel return regulator, leads, plugs, climate control screen, the list is endless!) and I'm slowly getting round to some of the bigger ones.
The car has done 150k which is fairly low but the trans makes a grinding noise and won't kick to first when flooring it. I personally drive like a pensioner because I'm tight and don't like paying a fortune on fuel. I've only done this about twice since I've owned the car and driving normally the trans is pretty smooth.
I've checked and the fluid isn't too healthy looking but it is at the right level and has no coolant in it. Also there are no alarm codes showing via forscan.
I'm going to swap the filter, completely change the oil and fit an aftermarket cooler (all via the forum how to's!) But before I do and spend about $250 all up I want to make sure that the trans isn't stuffed and needing a replacement in the not to distant future!
I just wondered if anyone had any more specific info on the problem, if they'd had a similar issue and how they remedied it, or if the above jobs will sort it.

Once again, your expert advice is much appreciated.


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[peterljohnson55]

Maybe good to get some suggestions for the problem from your local trans specialist, too. Sounds like it does need some work. Having had problems with my (signature) Fairmont's trans, don't leave it too long, especially if oil doesn't look pretty. Not worth the risk.

If you plan on keeping the car for another 6 to 10 years then you may as well consider investing in a near/full recon if you get advice that it has to come out to determine the nature of the problem. Otherwise, spend your $250 on a service and take your chance on it lasting.

What you will be looking for is copper residue in your trany's pan. If you find some -- think about the age and condition of your radiator.

Generally speaking, issues can include: clutches, bearings, bushes, re-bushing the oil pump, rear main engine seal, rear welch plug, and whatever may be needed in regard to the torque converter. You will be up for a full oil flush whatever you do, and oil isn't cheap.

Do you really need a cooler if you drive like a pensioner (as I am and do)? Heavy towing? If not then why bother. Put your money into more significant things.

I drove from Sydney to Newcastle today, and I just love my old Fairmont. Don't need anything else.

All the best with your figuring, and great to see you taking care of your old lady too.

[cblaxall]

Thanks Peter, I guess that the best thing, to just send it to someone who's see thousands of the ford 4 speed autos. I was just hoping that someone would say "just change the oil and filter and she'll be right"!
Fairly sure the car doesn't lose a drop of coolant so not too worried about the leaking into trans line issue, although that was the main reason I wanted to add on a trans cooler, to bypass the rad just in case!

I can't see me getting rid of the car anytime soon, its got (optional?) leather and electric seats and on long distances is like driving a comfy lounge suite. The air con is miles cooler than my other car, a 2008 Peugeot! Apart from that, there are so many cheap, easily available parts out there that maintenance and replacement is so easy!


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[peterljohnson55]

cblaxall, seems we are of the same mind to keep our Fairmonts for a good time. That's my plan, so any and every bit of expenditure I treat as either an annual/recurrent expense (annualised maintenance) or as a written-down expense divided by the number of years of expected remaining life of the car (or remaining years of ownership).

For example, if you spent $2000 on the tranny and you kept it for another 8 years, then that's $250 per year, or $5 week, or 70c day. In my mind it is no big deal if you have the cash to 'invest' in your car. The risk, of course, is your car gets an unexpected nasty mechanical problem that blows the budget big time. Having a life-of-car approach helps advise expenditure decisions.

Suggest you get into discussions with several trans mechanics, pick their brains, and come up with a strategy. I suggest you would be looking for a guaranteed result, a decent warranty as well as the process of agreement on how to pursue a warranty claim. 3 or 6 months is crap, 12 months is marginal, 24 months or better is more like it.

Also, find out what the talk of the town is about the trans mechs. You may be able to avoid a disaster that way.

I agree about the armchair factor, especially as half my spine is fused and I need a good seat.