Just paid to have the transmission flushed a week ago.

Today as I entered the freeway at entry speed the auto trans accelerated through 1st, 2nd, and third. Upon cruising speed I noticed that the car hadn't shifted into 4th, with resultant lowering in RPM. So there I was 3K rpms at 70 MPH.

The car has 126000 on an auto convertable.
Here is the questions, I know the answer will be painful

Auto trans replacement time? Improper servicing after the flush?
Differential leak, but still serviced, have anything to do with it?
Any good transmission rebuild replacement shops/ kits in SOCAL?

I am a really big hands on DIY guy, so tell me strait.

Thanks. Startin the new year off right.

 

If rebuild is at hand, any pictorial tutorials would be dandy.

 

If by chance it's not going into lockup (instead of not going into 4th) it's probably what happened to me after a fluid change. Basically a worn valve bore in the valve body. Does it only after a good warm up. Check Here

 

It sounds like its time for as trans, usually the stock transmissions dont last that long.

 

Time to call RPM and get a rebuilt tranny.

Unless you have access to all of the special tools needed and the knowledge, I would leve to pros, IMHO.

Good Luck with repairs.

 

Ya know, I hear this sort of song and dance quite frequently from those who have just 'recently' had their tranny flushed.

It's almost like all that crud was what was actually holding the tranny together. Seriously, is there really a good reason for flushing the tranny fluid, if there has never been any indications of it's having overheated, or been really abused (like pulling a 4,000 lb boat through the Rockies in the middle of summer), what's the point?

 

Excellent question

 

Check your fluid level. Did they run it thru the gears and refill the fluid?

 

 

I doubt it, they hooked it up to the flush machine and never touched the fill plug. This would be a different symptom though, wouldn't it? It shifts fine through all the gears but 4th.

 

 

Jeez, I must be talking to myself here......Let's get back to basics, shall we?

To the first poster with the problem.....WHY did you have the fluid changed in the first place?

Where you having any shifting problems to begin with?....that is, before you had the tranny flushed?

IF you had no previous symptoms, THEN it would seem logical to "assume" the shop did something to it....like maybe didn't put enough fluid back in, or whatever.

However, I did post a legitimate question which so far as been seen fit to be competely ignored......and that is I have heard from many others, mechanics included, that it is actually not a wise idea to be having an older transmission flushed like that, for the very reasons that this fellow is having problems.

It causes them "shell out" like that.

In other words, the "shop" may not have really done anything to contribute to the problem.....but the flush itself, is what did the tranny in.

Or was all that stuff I was told over the years just so many "old wives tales"?

 

I've heard the exact same thing...many times. If you want the fluid changed, just drain it, or pump it out, and refill with new...do not flush. I hope the issue here is minor, such as low fluid level and not rebuild required. Good luck to you.
Ed

 

Definitely make sure the fluid level is perfect. These trannies are very sensitive to fill level. I'm sure they didn't check.

Dope

 

if the fluid is up to the correct level then sounds like typical wear and tear, a lot of A4's start to have problems after the 100k mark

www.rpmtransmissions.com

 

What I've read and heard, if you haven't been getting your automatic flushed at regular maintenance intervals (i.e 30,000 to 40,000) miles and try and do a flush with high mileage, it's probably too late and the flush probably won't help and more than likely hurt. By 100,000 miles and never flushing the fluid, it's probably too late to take advantadge of fluid flushes. The transmision is probably going down the path of wearing out. All fluid(s) in a mechanical system will become contaminated through normal use over time and need to be replaced once reaching a level of unaccteptable contamination. Fluid flushes at regular intervals support the theory that if one refreshes the original characteristics of the fluid by replacing contaminated fluid with 'fresh' fluid, the transmission will live longer. It makes sense in one way, but as stated above, flushing an old transmission probably loosens the varnish coatings of stuff inside the transmission and that that may be helping the transmission hold on a while longer. The cure is worst than the disease. I flush my non Corvette cars at 35,000 miles and have not had a problem/failure yet with the transmissions. May be luck or might be due to the flushes. The jury is still out. Some manufacturers are now adding transmission flushes as part of their reccomended maintenance. My tranmsmission in my 2004 Nissan Quest felt 'soft' at 60,000 miles. The dealer, under warranty, did an analysis and flushed the transmission. It's running (10,000 miles later) like new again and I'll have it done again at 90,000 miles. Flushing recommendations are not consistent manufacturer to manufacturer. This one will be debated for years. I've had my transmissions done only with dealer/shop that uses the BG flush system. Maybe you can get it flushed again using the BG system and a synthetic ATF prior to replacing it. Go on BG.com for a shop near you that has their flushing system. Pat Goss of Motorweek swears by BG. If that doesn't work, Id next call RPM Transmissions (a forum vendor) for help/recommendations.

 

My son's 2001 did the same thing. Turned out to be some valve body issues, GM said something came apart in the valve body. Cost was not cheap...2800.00 to have them fix it.

 

I appreciate all your replies.

In answer to the question of why the flush in the first place, all I can say is that 125K seemed to be a good time to get it done, not knowing how the previous owner maintained it.

As part of the dealer sale I requested that the tranny be flushed as bill of sale, something that I thought couldn't hurt.

After changing the filter it would have mega trouble leaving first gear, and the other three were fine. Tried to check the servicing myself, thought it was good. Then decided a flush wouldn't hurt, so I did. Flush went well, the tranny left first, and sequentially shifted fine after that. Fast forward a week and it now will not leave third gear.

I plan on checking the fluid level again, and conversing with the guys at RPM. 125K is a lot for an A4, and I am sure a fresh gearbox wouldn't hurt.

Thanks again.

 

I have also heard that if you haven't flushed the tranny regularly then after 100K or so don't do it! However The C5 owners manual says to change it at 50K if you race or often drive in a dusty area. Under "normal" use it says to change it at 100K miles. Good luck!

 

How long have you had the car from the dealer... Can you go back at them with this ??? Good Luck.