hello im new here just had a question i have a tr magna v6 auto wagon and it has 225,000 on the clock and the auto was rebuilt at 186,000 the auto now changes ok if you dont boot it but if you give it a footfull it seems to flare into 3rd gear anybody know what this could be it has the correct fluid level and the oil doesnt smell bad it doesnt seam burnt ???

undo the battery terminals ans reconnect is the first thing to try

if the box doesnt improve then the computer is in fail safe mode

next
the auto tranny computer controller
should be located under the gearshift console

buy a second hand one from a wrecker
and fit

Diagnostics link
downloadable manual http://www.lisho.net/?page_id=3

you need second gen and the automatic diagnostic info is in there

Sory to threadjack, just wanted to start about this myself though.

My TR is stuck in 3rd gear, has been for about 2 weeks. Took it to a tranny specialist yesterday and got told my computer was stuffed, and would cost me 800 to fix.

Went over a bump a little bit quick this morning and it clicked out, going into all 4 gears. It will click back into 3rd tho, sooner or later.

IMO, the whole computer cant be stuffed if it locks in and out right?? Could it just be some sort of loose wiring, or bad connection?

could be a lose connection, try and see if its held i right, a clip could be broken or something

If the TCU is stuffe it will go into fail safe mode and stay in third. otherwise the computer tells it to change through 1,2,3,OD....

Sounds like the TCU is on its way out. But could be a loose connection, even on the TCU board. like broken solder.

Or a capacitor. Once they begin to wear they'll work, but not very well or intermittently.

No way it would cost $800 to fix a TCU problem, I ended up paying about $500 and in that I got new filters, a full transmission flush, repaired the solenoids and replaced the computer. TCU in working order from the wreckers was $44. (you can have the capacitors replaced if you get a good one, just as a precaution, but it's not necessary)

TCU in working order from the wreckers was $44


44?? Whoa..

The guy I went to told me this is a common prob on TR's and most wreckers would be sold out of them. And asked for 720 + fitting for it. Am I getting BS-ed and ripped by this dude?

Glad I posted bout this before I got it done..

TCU's either work or do not work, bit like most electronic things. The only exception is a dry joint but then you will sometimes be stuck in 3rd and other times, will also shunt into reverse when selected.

I would poss start with a full fluid change / flush however having said that, not al reco transmissions last the test of time as a lot of reconditioners are not exactly very caring when they reco them.

44?? Whoa..

The guy I went to told me this is a common prob on TR's and most wreckers would be sold out of them. And asked for 720 + fitting for it. Am I getting BS-ed and ripped by this dude?

Glad I posted bout this before I got it done..

Yeah, $44 all up, although I should mention:

- I took a risk, I didn't know the condition (although even if it was known, it would have been $44 anyway)
- I had to remove it from the TR myself
- I had to install it in the TR myself.

Just depends what you're willing to do really, $720 sounds a little steep to me but if he'll do all the fitting, testing and ensuring it's in good condition (fully reconditioned TCU maybe) then it could be worth it.

Madmagna is spot on though, while the TCU is a valid possible cause it could well be the trans itself. Imo, follow his advice. lol

You should be able to grab a reco TCU for under $300 bucks. The test? Take it for a drive?

The fitting, if you have done before will take about 15 minuts. Certainly not over $700 :)

Yeah, it is a fully reconditioned unit and comes with 12 month warranty. But if I could get a cheaper way out of this, Id still take it.

If I was to find a cheaper TCU around, how complicated is it to DIY? (the fitting im reffering to)

when i brought an old 2nd gen elite to do the power window conversion on my last car, i got a TCU for $50 from then wreckers and they have heaps of them. i changed it twice thinking that i was the tcu, but in the end i got my money back cause it was the box

Capacitor leaks its electrolyte fluid on the pcb, and corrodes the copper tracks, depending on the extent of the damage they can be repaired/refurbished.

in brisbane the wreckers sell TR/TS TCU for @ $75 S/h
with warranty

on a shelf on still in cars