Transmission problems - advice

[Clacker]

Hi Guys,

It's been 2 weeks since I serviced my transmission and all has been ok. Just yesterday I noticed the first gear change after starting was strange...like it was slipping. Seemed to be ok after that.

This morning, it was really slipping in both reverse and drive. I just got out of the driveway and then drove back in.

Checked the fluid and it was really frothy and the level was very high. I can't imagine this is from high fluid level as its been fine for 2 weeks and it was just over when i checked after a big drive.

I'm assuming that when not running, all the ATF collects in the pan and is then pumped around when started to does it make sense this could be the filter or seal that is worked it's way loose and not drawing the ATF up from the pan?

The seal didn't quite go all the way in when I replaced it but it was so tight I can't believe that is the problem...but it seems to fit my problems..

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[DannyboyDS]

firstly what trans fluid did you use? Dexron 111 is the only thing you should be putting in it, if you are unsure go to holden and buy it there, secondly yes it is worth having a look at the filter, did you remove the old metal seal at the top of the old filter from the trans, they tend to stick in there

Let us know what fluid you used anyway, if you did use the correct fluid then it could be a few things, as suggested, the old metal seal, or an air lock in the lines going to the radiator/cooler.

Did you clean the pan properly when you did this? try to use paer towel as if any is left behind (Lint) it is allot less harsh then lint from your everyday rags.

[Clacker]

firstly what trans fluid did you use? Dexron 111 is the only thing you should be putting in it, if you are unsure go to holden and buy it there, secondly yes it is worth having a look at the filter, did you remove the old metal seal at the top of the old filter from the trans, they tend to stick in there

Let us know what fluid you used anyway, if you did use the correct fluid then it could be a few things, as suggested, the old metal seal, or an air lock in the lines going to the radiator/cooler.

Did you clean the pan properly when you did this? try to use paer towel as if any is left behind (Lint) it is allot less harsh then lint from your everyday rags.

Thanks for response. I did all those things you mentioned. Old seal was removed, used Dex111 and the pan was spotless.

I did disconnect a return line to drain the pan but I checked and verified that it isn't leaking. The only issue I can think of is the seal not going all the way up but it was so tight I really couldn't push it anymore. I also pushed the filter as far up as it would go. does the filter stay in place by touching the pan bottom or just the tightness hold it?

Thanks

[Clacker]

Started the car when i got home and within seconds I can see bubbles in the ATF. After I first did a service I drove 24kms and ATF was perfect.

As there are no leaks, it has to be seal or filter IMHO as can't be foaming from too low or high.

I left the car running long enough to put her on ramps and will have to drop the pan again.

[greenacc]

Just a tip, when you put the filter seal into the hole, tap it in with a big blunt punch or something until it sits flush ( tap from side to side so it goes in straight )... then it will never come loose. And hit the filter with the palm of your hand straight under the neck to seat it nicely in the seal too. Not sure if this is actually your prob, but it might help.

[DannyboyDS]

could still be airlock in the lines, ive never seen it in the auto lines though.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[hako]

G'Day Clacks, the problem has to lie with the filter - probably the O ring seal has been dislodged when you pushed it in. Are you 100% sure the old seal was removed....was it still on the neck of the filter or did you need to remove it from the valve body with a improvised hook or whatever? If it wasn't removed it can stop the filter neck seating properly. The filter O ring seal usually sticks in the valve body and can be difficult to remove. The filter should slide in nicely if all is OK and the base of the pan plus the suction of the oil pump is all that keeps it in position.

[Clacker]

G'Day Clacks, the problem has to lie with the filter - probably the O ring seal has been dislodged when you pushed it in. Are you 100% sure the old seal was removed....was it still on the neck of the filter or did you need to remove it from the valve body with a improvised hook or whatever? If it wasn't removed it can stop the filter neck seating properly. The filter O ring seal usually sticks in the valve body and can be difficult to remove. The filter should slide in nicely if all is OK and the base of the pan plus the suction of the oil pump is all that keeps it in position.

Hey Hako,

Yeah dropped the pan and the filter and seal came along with it!

As greenacc suggested, I used a hammer and flat metal rod to beat the seal into position. I still managed to remove some of the rubber from the base of the seal but not where the filter comes in contact so hopefully its ok.

Silly me bought 4 litres of ATF not 5 so I'll need to get some more before taking her for a drive.

Lets just hope now I haven't damaged something by letting the transmission suck air.

Will report back tomorrow night when I get the ATF....and kitty litter to clean up all the damn oil I spilt

[immortality]

over filling can cause the oil to froth which can make the trans slip also

[Clacker]

OK, reporting back.

After the usual shennigans I have with getting the damn level right (it's supposed to be easy right?), I've taken her for a spin and all feels good.

Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions!