Having problems with the TF Auto box, basically goes into limp mode (stuck in 3rd) after a k or so. Started looking around the car and thought I would look at the TCU. When I got to it it was covered in some sort of fluid (possibly hydraulic), one of the plugs and pins was soaked in it. Took it apart and none inside thankfully. So, cleaned it up best I can (haven't put it back in yet).

Could this have possibly caused my problem?

I'm also flushing the box out next week as the oil is brown to see if this makes any difference..

thx

While it is out look for leaking capacitors - they are filled with a light oil - look for bulging end caps on them that split on the "X" mark if the pressure builds up too much, could have leaked out of the box. If its really hydraulic fluid, you need to locate and rectify that. Is the box anywhere near hydraulic lines though?

If that is the problem - leaking capacitors - you can get them replaced cheaply, should/might fix the limp mode problem. Check the capacitor values and go to Dick Smith, buy them and use a soldering iron to replace them, if you are brave!

I think the leak might be coolant from the heater core.... I checked the caps and they look OK. Is their any way to check the computer.... I have the chance to buy a second hand one at a reasonable price but the part numbers are different.

Mine: 97 TF Auto Sedan
MMAL Part Number: MD347892
Bosch Part Number: F005 E0 0009
ED35B 6 G 72 DOM MD34A

Second Hand Unit: 96 TE Auto Sedan (I think)
MMAL Part Number: AW342757
Bosch Part Number: 9 260 060 066
ED35B 6 G 72 AUST MB34C


What do these mean, can I use the second hand unit in mine?

Oops, forgot to ask... The TCU is part of the ECU box, the silver one with 4 plugs that sits under the heater core in the centre console, right???


Thanks

I don't know if the coolant is conductive, if it is then your box might be ok, or totally stuffed. Why not clean it right out, plugs included and try again? I would wash it all with water followed by metho and air drying, then set everything up as normal and try the car out. Maybe wrap the box and plugs in gladwrap to prevent any coolant leaks entering it while you try it out. If it all works then you have to solve the coolant leak.

Because the two boxes have different Bosch numbers I doubt that they would be interchangeable, but only a Bosch dealer could tell if they are the same - sorry I can't be of more help.

It is coolant, there are 2 seals on the core that leaks, has been covered to death before

Yes, if the plugs are soaked it will go into limp mode and can also play havoc on the engine as well as it will get into the far left hand plug and start stuffing up ignition etc

Clean the plugs out, pop out the dash and put in a pair of the $3.50 seals and your problems will be fixed

Just cleaning or replacing the ECU will not fix as your heater will still leak and the third gen does NOT have a heater tap so it can not be turned off unless you remove the heater hoses

What do the seals look like and what are they called? (So I can order some). Also, how do I remove and replace them. I've got the bottom console out (where the shift goes through) and can get to the ECU etc but do I need to remove the whole console including the radio, heater buttons etc???

Thanks for the help.............

Like I said, clean it up, try it out, to see if the pooter still works, then fix the leak. Go to a Mitsu dealer and say "my heater is leaking inside the car, gimme some new heater core seals" - they will know what you mean lol

You need to remove the COMPLETE DASH to get to the heater box.

As a quick fix (for the leak) you could disconnect the heater hoses in the engine bay and use one of them, or another hose the same size, to connect the two outlets in the engine bay (not the heater connections, but the two closest to the engine). Your heater won't work, but your car will be mobile and the ecu/tcu will be safe from leaks.

This thread may be of help in the heater core replacement without removing dash: http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59355&highlight=heater+core&page=2

Dont bother with the aircon removal idea, you need to have your system evacuated, then refilled all at cost.

Has been discussed before, I am sure you will find someone who can easily take out the dash no drama's

Anyone got a picture of the heater box and where the seals are? or maybe the instructions for removing the dash. Searched the forum but couldn't find it...

Where do the seals actually go? Am looking at a Magna manual (albiet a TJ one as I can't find a TF one on the web) and I can see the Heater Core but there are no seals that I can see. Are the seals where the inlet and outlet are from the engine bay? ie the leak occurs at the point the pipes enter the core from the engine bay? If so, does the heater core have to come out as well?

Just trying to get a grasp on what I'm up against.......

Thanks in advance