Transmission Problems?

[Kerbstomp]

Hi all,

I'm driving a 5.0 VS Caprice (auto) and all of a sudden on the way home from christmas shopping it refused to change up into 3rd. It's just revving to all hell once I try take it above 60km/hr. I've checked transmission fluid levels and it's showing way above where it should be.. Runs fine until I reach 3rd and then it just doesn't want to do it's thing. Any thoughts?

Oh, and why does this shit always happen when I'm on holidays????

Cheers

[Darcon666]

Similar thing just happend to wifeys can... 3rd gear clutches let go, not that this is the same thing.

Check the smell the oil and see if it's a burnt smell. Good way is to put a little clean oil on your fingers, sniff.... then pull the dipstick and get a little on ther other hand/fingers, sniff. Burnt = clutches are fcuked, well at least her's were.

As for why... pffff, the car just hates you.

Good luck...

Disclaimer... I am not mechanic so check with a reputable Auto Trasmission mechanic for advice.

[Jacko84]

hmmm fun fun fun prob after a rebuilt box can help you with that

[hako]

Could be your TPS (throttle position sensor) - if it fails, the transmission doesn't know when to change gear and will rev out. There is a test for it in the Gregorys manual...and they don't cost too much to buy either new or from a wrecker (TPS, not Gregorys!) Check this link for troubleshooting. 4l60e Problems and Solutions - S-10 Forum
Also try a fault codes test as it may show up there. Good Luck.

[Kerbstomp]

Cheers for the help, just had a quick look at the fluid in better light and it's got a definite brown tinge to it and a burnt smell... joy oh joy good thing my last three months overtime is just about to be paid out ah well can't do anything about it today, time for a beer

[hako]

Don't spend your cash yet - check the codes first and if it's just the TPS consider it an early Xmas present.

[Kerbstomp]

Cheers hako, I'll be sure to check it out first.. looks like a handy thread.. Will let you all know what the final outcome is once I know.

[Kerbstomp]

K, now that Christmas is over and done with I've had time to check the codes.. Unfortunately nothing about the TPS, guessing this is gonna cost me some cash.. On the subject of codes though, these are the ones which flashed up:

Code 15 - Coolant temp sensor high voltage
Code 16 - Coolant temp sensor voltage unstable
Code 36 - ?????
Code 44 - RH Oxygen sensor lean (O2)
Code 45 - RH Oxygen sensor rich (O2)

Now I've triple checked these and can't seem to find Code 36 mentioned anywhere except in reference to the VR V6 (vacuum leak) would this be the same for a VS V8 S2?

[hako]

I'd double check the codes - pull the engine fuse for 30 secs to wipe them and recheck in a week.
Before you spend cash, think about buying a Gregorys manual - this will give you the information needed to check the TPS. If the TPS is erratic in operation it may not leave a code. You can also borrow a Gregorys from your library for free. Otherwise PM me you email address and I'll scan the instructions on checking the TPS.
A reco transmission will set you back at least $2000......a Gregorys new is about $45.....hmmm.
As an afterthought, check that your battery terminals/cables are clean and tight, also the earths to the engine.

[Vee-ard]

You mentioned the fluid level is way above where it should be... If you've overfilled it the fluid will aerate and cause pretty similar problems as if there was no fluid at all.

[Kerbstomp]

yeah fluid was showing way above where it should be on the dipstick when hot, but definitely hasn't been overfilled.. was wondering if something had caused an air lock or something along those lines.. it actually spat the dipstick out a couple of weeks back like it was pressurised but then showed no signs of any other problems until it stopped shifting up.

I'll wipe the codes and check again over the weekend. Now to start searching for the vacuum leak in the meantime.

Cheers for the help folks

[Jacko84]

hmmm i dont think its the tps, if it pressurised and blew the dipstick out there is a problem there. are you checking the level in park? could be a worry if its overfull

[Brett_jjj]

Holden did a recall a few years ago for VR or VS models, they fitted the locking transmission dipstick the these auto transmissions because the dipstick can blow out under heavy or hot use,it can then spew out trans fluid which can potentially be a fire hazzard.

[Kerbstomp]

Cheers all, my mate used to be a mechanic and the place he ran for 10 years was next door to a bloke that does trannys so he's organised for us to drop it round to him and he'll take a look at it and let me know what's going on.. If it's something I can do easily then all well and good, if it turns out to be something worse then nothing I can do about it, might get a shift kit fitted too at the same time.. Just off to pitstop bookshop to grab myself a copy of the VS workshop manual now

Oh and I already have the locking dipstick, which is the worrying part lol

[hako]

The locking dipstick relies on compressing "O" rings to grip the inside of the fill tube - over time they shrink and harden and don't grip anymore.....result is they can blow out easier.

[Kerbstomp]

And it turns out it was the clutch... Sooo quote to get it repaired has come in at around $1950... Is this about average?

[Darcon666]

And it turns out it was the clutch... Sooo quote to get it repaired has come in at around $1950... Is this about average?

Not that I know and have any clue but that does sound a little high, even though it is mostly labour... Ok, here is why.....

@ $80/hr for remove(1hr), strip(3hr), assemble(3hr), fit(1hr) & tune(1hr)....should take 9-10hrs = $720-800(A good machanic should be able to whip this out real quick....) so should be less.

Then the price quoted $1950-800 = $1150 for parts???? frack me, Clutches are cheap. What's he replacing everything in the box??

P.S Get an external transmission cooler installed at the same time, good insurance as heat kills autos.

[soop]

That's about the normal price for a rebuild.
It takes a bit longer then an hour to remove it too. Also longer then 3hrs to rebuild it.

[Darcon666]

That's about the normal price for a rebuild.
It takes a bit longer then an hour to remove it too. Also longer then 3hrs to rebuild it.

Lets say 12hrs... that's $960 in labour, so $1000 for parts???

Like I said I have no idea about autos...just sounds a little rich when wifeys BMW cost me $2500 and everything was replaced(New box is $6500)

[soop]

If its a transmission specialist, its nothing for them to charge $120-160 per hour. $140 an hour for a good mechanic is normal.

[Jacko84]

1950 is the correct price people should do more research into things before commenting

[CHA53R]

i would be shopping on ebay or wreckers for that price, they go for about $400 - $500 couple hours labour and a service and off you go.. personaly id rather save the extra $1000 that it is going to cost to rebuild and buy a slab and still have $950 change

[soop]

Really, 5ltr auto's for $500.... find me one. Go on.
Couple hours labour eh?

Ever actually done it?
Its a full weekend job at minimum. Basically down to the fact that you can't move under the car. There's no room to put your hands in anywhere. Easiest way is engine out.