Genhero
Probationary Member
- 8
- 0
- Oct 1, 2014
-
Boston,
Massachusetts
I just bought an AWD 97 talon for very cheap but the automatic transmission had some issues. It engaged in D once or twice but would only do it the first time. Now it won't do it at all anymore. Reverse works every time.
I removed the transmission's pan and the fluid was very dark. Swapped the filter and replaced the fluid that came out. Cleaned the magnets, they weren't bad but the fluid was dark. I tried flushing the trans cooler but the pump wasn't pushing much fluid. It turns out it was way too low on fluid. I put it back together and put it in neutral and found out the transmission was 4 quarts low. I replaced the 4 quarts but didn't check how the flow to the cooler was afterwards.
If the PO ran it 4 quarts low, I'm guessing at least the front clutches are toast (which explains the black fluid). I can't seem to find a good used auto locally or that someone is willing to ship -- otherwise I'd buy it today. I'm going to disconnect the cooler lines again to see if the pump works in neutral now. If the pump works I was thinking of just doing a cheap rebuild and replacing the front clutches myself (only $100, worth a shot). There are no TCU codes. I haven't tried disconnecting the TCU to see if it moves in limp mode but I will just for kicks this weekend. It won't move with OD off either so it's not the end clutches (not saying they aren't junk too).
I don't know the condition of the torque converter or if I can even do a stall speed test if the forward gears aren't engaging but it probably took some abuse.
Would you guys pull the transmission and check the front clutches to see if they are toast and replace them/clean the valve body, etc or just call the transmission a throw-away (maybe keep it around for parts) and keeping looking for another one.
Any other ideas?
I removed the transmission's pan and the fluid was very dark. Swapped the filter and replaced the fluid that came out. Cleaned the magnets, they weren't bad but the fluid was dark. I tried flushing the trans cooler but the pump wasn't pushing much fluid. It turns out it was way too low on fluid. I put it back together and put it in neutral and found out the transmission was 4 quarts low. I replaced the 4 quarts but didn't check how the flow to the cooler was afterwards.
If the PO ran it 4 quarts low, I'm guessing at least the front clutches are toast (which explains the black fluid). I can't seem to find a good used auto locally or that someone is willing to ship -- otherwise I'd buy it today. I'm going to disconnect the cooler lines again to see if the pump works in neutral now. If the pump works I was thinking of just doing a cheap rebuild and replacing the front clutches myself (only $100, worth a shot). There are no TCU codes. I haven't tried disconnecting the TCU to see if it moves in limp mode but I will just for kicks this weekend. It won't move with OD off either so it's not the end clutches (not saying they aren't junk too).
I don't know the condition of the torque converter or if I can even do a stall speed test if the forward gears aren't engaging but it probably took some abuse.
Would you guys pull the transmission and check the front clutches to see if they are toast and replace them/clean the valve body, etc or just call the transmission a throw-away (maybe keep it around for parts) and keeping looking for another one.
Any other ideas?