Hi. About a year ago my 1997 Magna Altera decided that it wouldn't go forwards anymore, and that the drive light would start flashing. Checked the manual, it told me to take it to a Service center. The car will actually go forward, very very slowly. Was told by Mr RACV that it was the transmission and that it would cost about $4000 to fix. Since then it's been sitting in my garage. Now I want to fix it. Were should i start looking, to fix the issue. Would it be easier to buy a second hand trannie, than try to diagnose the issue with the old one? Thanks heaps, in advance. Jason

if the drive light is flashing then that means there is a problem with the trans(probably is limp mode),

When u try to go forwad does the engine just rev out? if it does then the oil pump system in the trans is gone, this is a common problem with the 3rd gen autos,

As for 4k to fix i highly doubt that, i would say max 2k for a reco and labour, there is guy on these forums from VIC selling used auto (not reco) for TE/TF for around $300-400 there abouts

To rebuild a transmission the quote of $4000 is pretty accurete. the idea is the transmission once rebuilt also comes with a new oil cooler (the old one is way too small) and the labour takes a big part out of this sum. if u can remove and replace the transmission urself then expect to save up to $600. fitting the cooler is east as the mounts are usually supplied.


clarion magna-there is guy on these forums from VIC selling used auto (not reco) for TE/TF for around $300-400 there abouts

The problem with used auto trans is they come with no warranty and usually come from cars that have been in accidents, or have been in cars that have done over 180,000km's.

best idea is if u have the cash get the rebuild (make sure it comes with the new cooler) and u will have a trans with a new warranty, and longer running life than most new tranny's.
I've worked at an auto trans joint long enough to see this for myelf.
cheers dave

Hi. About a year ago my 1997 Magna Altera decided that it wouldn't go forwards anymore, and that the drive light would start flashing. Checked the manual, it told me to take it to a Service center. The car will actually go forward, very very slowly. Was told by Mr RACV that it was the transmission and that it would cost about $4000 to fix. Since then it's been sitting in my garage. Now I want to fix it. Were should i start looking, to fix the issue. Would it be easier to buy a second hand trannie, than try to diagnose the issue with the old one? Thanks heaps, in advance. Jason






welcome to the club mate. if u dont know bout cars then go to a mechanic it could be the input/output shaft sensor stuffed(you'd be hopin) if not, its the gear box. mine started slipping gears until it wont engage in gears n e more and the "n" was flashing left me stranded 180km away from home on new years night :rant: n e way im still under warranty so they are replacing the gearbox and i wont hav my precious till the end of the month :cry:

if the drive light is flashing then that means there is a problem with the trans(probably is limp mode),

When u try to go forwad does the engine just rev out? if it does then the oil pump system in the trans is gone, this is a common problem with the 3rd gen autos,

As for 4k to fix i highly doubt that, i would say max 2k for a reco and labour, there is guy on these forums from VIC selling used auto (not reco) for TE/TF for around $300-400 there abouts

How would you diagnose the fault? Was thinking abot getting Lube Mobile to come out and hook it up to there computer. Will that tell me anything useful. When you put your foot down it does a lot of revving and then creeps forward. Reverse, goes perfectly fine in reverse. No probs there. That's what is confusing me.

Your best option is to get a recon'd box and install yourself, the cheapest option is to get a second hand box and install that yourself. You could tow it to a mechanic and tell them to source a second hand gearbox, that wouldn't cost you more than 1000 dollars, as a gearbox swap for a mechanic shouldn't take more than 4 or 5 hours.

If you can get ur car to any reputable workshop with a carmin scanner (small computer that ataches to car) it will let you know if gears are burnt out/sensors not working.

after trying to rebuild a box with broken oil pressure it really requires a full strip down and replace all the burnt or damaged bits
the cost of fitting by a mechanic is bad eneough

so dont waste time on your old one i speak from personal experience
i have tried it and it just isnt cost effective by the time you buy the full rebuild kit solenoids kickdown band etc
and you really have to know what your doing in there lots of tiny ball bearings springs and
if you put something in wrong your stuffed
you also need a press and other special tools to do it right you cant fix the torque converter

see what other members think

Nah, I got a 4Kg mallet. lol lol

I bow to your knowledge (and reallly thick book) Magnabuff. :stoopid: :D