just curious, because I have a TW 4sp auto. Is the wave spring from the factory prone to the same problems as the earlier models?

I believe they are a beefed up version in the later boxes.

Not a clear cut picture at all. Manufacturers do running changes on components independent of model changes.
The gearboxes probably weren't made in Adelaide anyway. Unless someone can come up with a specific gearbox serial number when the change occurred, you can't assume a TL or TW has a specific type of wave spring.

I believe the wave spring was changed back to the solid type in the TL, this was what I found out after a good hour talk to a trans specialist today. I have just fitted the solid type in my trans and can tell you it's not the most enjoyable job I've ever done.

Was near the end of the TL series that the spring finally changed, all TW boxes I have ever pulled down have the revised spring, SOME TL boxes I have pulled down have the revised spring.

As I have also stated many a time, remember is not JUST the wave spring that causes issues in these cars, they are a very compact box and there are other parts that can fail just like in any auto box

Madmagna, can a TW box be fitted to a KJ? I recall you mentioning some variations in the speed sensors?
And would you say that the Mitsubishi 4/5 speed auto gearboxes are less reliable than other automatics?

You could if you were to use the TL ECU with it,that would be the only way.

Is not just the missing speedo drive gear that is the issue, the output sensor ring has more teeth and will throw a J series ECU straight into limp mode as soon as you drive

I would not say they are less reliable, there are just more of them left on the road than a lot of the other cars designed around that time, if you take a look around there are many auto trans shops around, they sure do not survive on Magna auto repairs, most of the shelf stock they have are for falcon and commodore. Add to this also I see so many come in here where they have not been serviced for so long it is almost scary

well, it sounds as tho' I don't need to worry about my wave spring. I'll go on servicing the auto once a year, about every 15k, and keep my fingers crossed.

I would still love to see a serial number for the gearbox when the wave spring change happened.
Asking for too much, I suppose. . .

I would still love to see a serial number for the gearbox when the wave spring change happened.
Asking for too much, I suppose. . .

im sure it will be two digits past the number on your box....lol

im sure it will be two digits past the number on your box....lol

My assumption:
TJ, 08/2001 - def breaky spring.
TL, 04/2004 - maybe breaky spring, maybe not. TW started late 2004, so maybe good spring?

I guess that is why I want to know serial numbers. lol

well, it sounds as tho' I don't need to worry about my wave spring. I'll go on servicing the auto once a year, about every 15k, and keep my fingers crossed.

I must say that the many a mention on here about auto-trans issues made me pretty nervous about their reliability; but I spoke the other day with the local Fluidrive guy and he seemed surprised about my concerns - said that he did not recall seeing anymore Magnas per head in with issues than any other make?

Steve

I must say that the many a mention on here about auto-trans issues made me pretty nervous about their reliability; but I spoke the other day with the local Fluidrive guy and he seemed surprised about my concerns - said that he did not recall seeing anymore Magnas per head in with issues than any other make?

Steve
I've spoken to several auto trans guys in Adelaide who say the same thing: Magnas are no better, no worse than falcon/commodore for auto life.

Ask them about AU falcon gearboxes.

The magna's are such well made cars, that as soon as some cars develop a major failure like this, it turns into a frenzy of speculation.

Put petrol in it and drive it. Service it when you need to. If you're waiting for the wave spring to break, you're a fool.

I must say that the many a mention on here about auto-trans issues made me pretty nervous about their reliability; but I spoke the other day with the local Fluidrive guy and he seemed surprised about my concerns - said that he did not recall seeing anymore Magnas per head in with issues than any other make?

Steve

I think a major issue that maybe many members overlook is that these forums attract a biased sample group.
So the percentage of cars that have auto problems is low, however once these issues arise many owners immediately come here asking questions.