VZ SV6 '04 - Transmission Problems

[morphix]

To be honest i would not go the second hand route as these trannys are known to start having issue after around 120k. You can get a full remove and repair for about $2500 including all labour.

I just fear that a simple 'repair' is not possible as the previous owner didn't take care of it at all.

I paid for a mechanic to look at my car prior, who did a service on the transmission said it was fine, noted on the receipt that the transmission looks to be burnt out and was on his way.

Transmission stuffed up again in like 2 weeks tops.

I don't want to fork more money out for it to stuff up again, my budget is probably around $2300 or so, which is stretching it big time using money from my partners personal loan.

 

[torana355]

I just fear that a simple 'repair' is not possible as the previous owner didn't take care of it at all.

I don't want to fork more money out for it to stuff up again, my budget is probably around $2300 or so, which is stretching it big time.

You are aware that a repair includes replacing all the friction surfaces like the bands, clutches ect, the box will be fine if you get it repaired mate.

 

[morphix]

You are aware that a repair includes replacing all the friction surfaces like the bands, clutches ect, the box will be fine if you get it repaired mate.

Would this not effectively be a rebuilt transmission? I've been quoted over $3000 for that, which i don't have.

 

[torana355]

Would this not effectively be a rebuilt transmission? I've been quoted over $3000 for that, which i don't have.

No a rebuild involves replacing the pistons and other expensive parts and costs closer to $3500. A repair usually consists of just the friction surfaces, oil seals and whatever else needs to be replaced to get the box working properly, the repair on mine cost $2500 and included a new Torque converter, oil seals and all friction surfaces repalced with 6 months warranty.

 

[morphix]

No a rebuild involves replacing the pistons and other expensive parts and costs closer to $3500. A repair usually consists of just the friction surfaces, oil seals and whatever else needs to be replaced to get the box working properly, the repair on mine cost $2500 and included a new Torque converter, oil seals and all friction surfaces repalced with 6 months warranty.

Hmm.. Ok, i'll speak with the Auto Trans specialist and see what he would quote for that.

Had the mechanic out today to look at the radiator, unfortunately i have to pay for it to get replaced a stick or rock seems to have flung up into the engine bay and busted a massive hole behind the radiator fans .

$385 for new radiator, flush and installation and new coolant.

 

[morphix]

Got a quote from Automatic Transmission Services at New Lambton, NSW (Newcastle) who quoted worst case scenario to recondition my transmission for $2500, which is fine with me.

This comes with 12 months / 20,000KM warranty, at which they also get you to come in after the first 1000km to get it checked over again to make sure its all running good.

I'll report back on this once its done, guy states, once i have the money together, it would take 3 days at the most to complete.

 

[morphix]

Well, took my car in to ATS at New Lambton this morning.. eager to hear back from them what the damage ($$$) will be.

I am thinking of asking them to install an additional transmission cooler in series with the factory cooler? That will it will keep the trans cooler without any 'too cold' issues during colder times.

Will update once i know.

 

[GunnaBeSumthingVP]

Hmmm...Sounds like my WL Statesman (VZ Statesman)
Stupid Holden decided to put a SEALED EFFING TRANSMISSION in them...So they have no dipstick to check fluid levels..
I had a problem with my trans about 2 weeks ago, was slipping like mad..So did a engine service and trans service with new filter in trans and had to use a hammer and chisel to get the fill plug out..Cause some dick snapped a T45 Torx Bit in it..
All was good until the next day went to Maitland and car got red hot.
Pulled over and checked reservoir, Had pinky/browny sludge in it. So i instantly thought head gasket, warped head.
No water in engine tho..So stopped and thought for a minute, It was trans fluid...
So of all days it had to be June 11 (Queens BDay Holiday) Anyways got it towed home for $110 from John at Lambton Smash..Next day got a New radiator, new filter for trans, more trans fluid and 2 cans of Mangold oil stripper..Did about 5 - 8 radiator flushes..trans service..etc
Then it seemed to be fixed..but NO trans just went crazy and started slipping like crazy...Turned the car off and gave it 15 mins, Started it and drove it home, was changing properly no probs at all until i tried to reverse.
It wont move at all in reverse, Its weird because i put it in P or N and it wants to go forward?? WTF
Also if the ignition is turned on (Not Started) and you put it in N it wont roll at all..Turn off the ignition and put it in N and it rolls.
So looks like there is 2 blokes in Newcastle with the same problem....

 

[morphix]

Wow, i would be freaked if i saw that in my reservoir.

I was amazed when first getting the car of having no dipstick due to being sealed.. i was used to thoroughly checking oil, water & trans fluid in my prior car (Hyundai Accent).

The first radiator had to get replaced as the outlet for trans was blocked, starving the trans of fluid.. then a thick stick busted a hole in the new one.. now on the third... heh.

Odd thing is, i had the same issue in regards to R, N & P.

I was parked at work (Newcastle Uni) carpark.. tried to reverse.. it didn't move.. tried again... the car started driving up the concrete... same in Park and Neutral.. switch it off.. let is sit then try again, now Nuetral was Park, Park was Drive, D was Drive & R was Drive.....

Turned it off.. let it sit.. then they went back to normal after sometime.. except no reverse... heh.

Now what happens is, Reverse CAN work if i rev it to all hell like a douche it grinds and grunts and jerks.. eventually moving... kind of like someone learning to drive a manual... bunny hopping..except backwards.. most times i would get too close to the rev limit before moving.. so i don't bother.

Its made for some annoying situations when parking where i get parked in front of on a hill.. front facing down the hill.. and the car in front has parked close.. i've had to sit in my car waiting for the person to come out or test my luck with it maybe reversing a few meters after the whole street looks at me reving the guts out of the car like an idiot.

I'm eagerly awaiting ATS to get back to me about it so i know what was/is wrong and how much to fix.

 

[GunnaBeSumthingVP]

Yeh i would also be interested...

But my older brother gave me the idea of trying to find a wrecked sv6 manual, and making my statesman a 6 speed.
Would be awsome to have a manual stato, But they make these newer cars harder for backyard mechanics to work on.
Did you end up getting any money back from that mechanic that charged you $1600??
BTW..Who was it, If you dont mind me asking...