AUIII Transmission Slipping?

Timeshift · 15-05-2005, 11:40 PM

Hi Guys,
I have an AUIII, pic on the left, manufactured 04/2002 and has done 59,000k. A few thousand km ago, I had a problem with the transmission where it was not as smooth as it should be on 2-3. They found some sort of cracked bolt or screw and replaced it, but as a result, my transmission fluid was completely burnt and they advised it would be $250 to drain and replace (really, it was a result of the bolt so I think it should be under warranty..) and that I should wait no longer than my next service which is scheduled for June.

Today when I went to drive, for the first time ever, my car would not start on ignition - no cranking at all. Moved the trans from Park down to 1 and back again, and it started. Later on when I started up my car again, i placed it in to drive, but when I went to accellerate, it acted like it was in neutral and kicked in to drive after a brief second of revving. Again it did this at a traffic light a few minutes later. It also acted like it was in neutral during what I believe was a 1-2 shift, but could have been 2-3.

Is this likely to be a result of the burnt transmission fluid? Ultra tune quote me a price of $150, but would this invalidate the half a month of warranty I have left, which I may need if replacing it does not assist in solving the problem? Is this issue likely to simply be resolved with trans fluid replacement or does it sound like something deeper, maybe the transmission itself? Is the transmission covered under warranty if it has been subjected to burnt fluid, despite being caused by an issue fixed under warranty anyway?

Thoughts and comments appreciated :1syellow1

sfr rob · 16-05-2005, 08:55 AM

hey there mate!
Look i really dont know what the problem is.. but i get the problem of the gears going into gear very late.. say....

if i am doing a 3 point turn... when i put it into reverse from drive it takes probably a good 2 secinds for the stupid thing to shift in.. if you accelerate before you feel the gears lock there is a huge metal CLUNK-ing sound... as if the gears catch each other while spinning fast!
now i never accelerate before i feel the gears connect...

I had a problem with my transmission a few years ago it was leaking fluid somehow, got it fixed but got stuck with this problem.... so anyhelo from anyone would be good!
:monkes:

Racecraft · 16-05-2005, 09:03 AM

sounds more like a dodgey inhibitor switch than a fluid problem.. THe trans fluid has no bearing on starting the car.

jonbays · 16-05-2005, 09:42 AM

I agree check the inhibitor switch. Its a common problem that fits all the symptons you have mentioned.

Timeshift · 16-05-2005, 02:47 PM

The inhibitor switch......? I assume this is some sort of switch that assists in car ignition?

I'm a n00b when it comes to cars... thats why I like this forum

Pete A · 16-05-2005, 05:58 PM

Nio start is probably inhibitor, but the symptoms once it started could certainly be fluid issues. If the fluid goes off it can do all sorts of strange stuff. My son has a AUIII ute and it went in for a small transmission leak to get fixed and the Ford guy recommended that the transmission be serviced as it had to be taken out to get the leak fixed anyway. From what I hear they recommend 60-70,000 k's you do it. That seems reasonable. problem is these days you can't test the fluid yourself because it's all sealed up. Makes you wonder just how bad it is!

Pete A · 16-05-2005, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfr rob

hey there mate!
Look i really dont know what the problem is.. but i get the problem of the gears going into gear very late.. say....

if i am doing a 3 point turn... when i put it into reverse from drive it takes probably a good 2 secinds for the stupid thing to shift in.. if you accelerate before you feel the gears lock there is a huge metal CLUNK-ing sound... as if the gears catch each other while spinning fast!
now i never accelerate before i feel the gears connect...

I had a problem with my transmission a few years ago it was leaking fluid somehow, got it fixed but got stuck with this problem.... so anyhelo from anyone would be good!
:monkes:

2-3 seconds from D to R does not sound abnormal, and yes if you accelerate before the gears lock you will get a "clunk" sound. The older the car is the worse the clunk. New cars hardly clunk at all at first they just launch forward. Wait till you feel the push forward or back before you accelerate.

Timeshift · 16-05-2005, 09:22 PM

I decided i'm going to get the trans fluid replaced at Ultra Tune tomorrow for $150 - but if the problems continue afterward and I go to Ford and get them to look at it and find probs with either the inhibitor switch or transmission, can Ford tell me that my warranty is void and to go jump because I didn't get the trans fluid done at Ford?

sfr rob · 16-05-2005, 11:03 PM

Wah-wah-wah-wah-WHAT THE?!?!!!

$150 just to change the bloody fluid.. WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :jab:

: :ymca:

:

Timeshift · 17-05-2005, 12:20 AM

$150 from ultra tune, $250 from ford ;)

remember that they flush it out completely. they drain it all, run a cleaner through it, then refill with new fluid.

Steve_T · 17-05-2005, 01:16 AM

Timeshift, the inhibitor switch detects the position your gear lever is in and will not allow you to start the car in anything other than P or N.

Dunno about the warranty. Wouldn't think it'd be a problem but it largely comes down to the discretion of the individual dealer I believe. Maybe ask Ultra Tune if their work will affect factory warranty?

Pete A - 2-3 secs sounds a long time to me - I woulda thought D-R/R-D shift should take no more than 1 sec. (?)

Steve.

Dark Horse · 17-05-2005, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete A

From what I hear they recommend 60-70,000 k's you do it. That seems reasonable. problem is these days you can't test the fluid yourself because it's all sealed up. Makes you wonder just how bad it is!

My thoughts exactly. I get my transmission fluid changed every 30,000 k's.

As far as transmission fluid is concerned it is part of routine servicing. I doubt you'd have warranty voided because you got the fluid changed. If it turns out to be a faulty component ie the inhibitor switch, then it is a warranty issue.

Timeshift · 18-05-2005, 12:03 AM

Ok - ive had the trans fluid replaced at a transmission specialist. It was fully flushed, mentions pan gasket - rubber modified le85, filter - trans oil le85>97, o ring filler plug, consumable items, tq95 trans fluid.

They tested out the neutral start switch, all Ok. They ran an electronic test and found a fault code - PO320 - Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction.

I have gone to Ford and booked the car in, they don't know what it is but at a wild guess, possibly the CAS.

Opinions? Thanks