Auto transmission slipping when hot 1997 VS series 2

[StephenM]

Towing empty box 7 x 4 trailer. Sat on 90-95 kph.After about 200 k it revved to about 3000 and speed dropped. Slowed down and it seemed ok. It happened another three or four times over the next 50 ks. Checked the transmission fluid and added about 750 cc. There are no obvious leaks under teh car. Nothing sprayed back on the underside at all. Went for two drives of about 6k. Headed back home with about 200 kg in the trailer. After about 50 k it did it again. checked the fluid and it was OK. Seemed to be bubbly. 10 k down the road smoke started pouring out. The dipstick was a bit wonky and maybe I didn't ensure that it was properly locked in and it spat out and transmission fluid all over the engine bay and exhaust. RACQ got me towed home (140k) as the guys said it was a tranny problem and would take more than 48 hours to fix. The car has only done about 160,000k , mostly in Townscville city and suburbs. Not a real lot of highway driving prior to my getting it and was running OK until this. Would the low fluid have damaged the transmission or is it possible that the fluid had sprayed out quicker and the loss of fluid caused the issue. If it was manual I would describe it as a slipping clutch, but it was not consistent as a slippery clutch is. Any ideas. I have a local mechanic who has a 2nd hand box. Haven't spoken to an auto tranny specialist as yet as it only happened this arvo. Thanks in advance

 

[losh1971]

I'd get an opinion from a transmission specialist. I had very similar problems and people told me the issue was the trans. Some said it was solenoids but it wasn't. It turned out to be the TPS.

 

[CCCMikey]

Mine did something a little similar when hot and climbing the 10km Dorrigo mountain. In my case, in 3rd, the TCC was repeatedly locking and unlocking. I've since replaced half the fluid as the old stuff was brown and bubbly. Seems to have reduced the incidence, might have solved it but I've not had a similar long climb since.

 

[woteva]

Drain and drop the pan for a look. Might just be able to get away with a new filter and fluid change. Or might need a flush to get all oil out from the converter as well of it is dark.
When was it last serviced?
Do you have an external trans cooler fitted ?

 

[StephenM]

Drain and drop the pan for a look. Might just be able to get away with a new filter and fluid change. Or might need a flush to get all oil out from the converter as well of it is dark.
When was it last serviced?
Do you have an external trans cooler fitted ?

Looks like tranny was serviced at 4 years (27,00k) , but that was in 2001! and book says do it again at 8 years, if kilometres not done. Only cooler is the standard fitment. may just try a service first and see what happens.

 

[losh1971]

Service every 20k and start using synthetic

 

[BlackVXGTS]

Get the transmission serviced and an external transmission cooler installed. Only tow in auto third gear (no overdrive). Sounds like your transmission is overheating.

 

[Immortality]

Or tow in power mode, basically it will stay in 3rd when ever it's under load and it'll bump up the line pressure a bit to and as the others have said, get it serviced pronto and fit the largest external cooler you can find and hope no permanent damage is done.

 

[losh1971]

Looks like tranny was serviced at 4 years (27,00k) , but that was in 2001! and book says do it again at 8 years, if kilometres not done.

Don't use Holden's service schedules they are way too far apart.

 

[StephenM]

I can get a VS wagon (haven't looked at VIN for year) with a recon gearbox from a mate for $800. They spent $3000 in the box. Are the wagons and sedans the same gearbox. VIN code mentions engine type but not gearbox.