Okay, to the issue that brought me here to AMC in the first place.

The missus and I bought up a 97 Magna TF automatic the other day, took it for a test drive and everything was dandy overall. On the way back to the seller, I had her pull over and checked all the fluids while warmed up, let it sit for a while, then moved it to check for any leaks. Perfect. The only fault I could see that the tranny fluid has taken on a brownish color, but there was no unusual burnt smell to indicate any issues with the tranny.

I figured that given the high mileage of the vehicle, I'd be doing a decent service regardless, so a fluid change would be in order, no biggie. We went and purchased it.

For everything I've checked, and I'm so kicking myself in the **** for this one, I NEVER PUT THE DAMN THING IN REVERSE. WTF. The damn thing lurches whenever you slide it into reverse coming from either park or neutral. It doesn't lurch going into any other gear, and it shifts beautifully when zipping down the road. It's just that initial lurch when it settles into reverse, then it's smooth sailing, even when shifting out of reverse into park or drive.

My question divvies up in a couple directions at this point. Is it possible this is a result of the tranny fluid needing a change, or could it be something bigger? I'm debating doing a flush as I've been reading up on it here, but there are two issues. I'm worried about the idea of flushing possibly clogging up the internal filter, and two am I right in assuming the transmission oil filter on the top is actually for the transmission? I'd mistaken it for the engine oil filter at first glance.

Do you know when it's last service/flush was for the tranny?
Wouldn't hurt to get the thing flushed to see if that helps
Tranny fluid is a reddy colour I think?

Do you know when it's last service/flush was for the tranny?
Wouldn't hurt to get the thing flushed to see if that helps
Tranny fluid is a reddy colour I think?

No idea. That's why I'll just give it a go. It's a brownish color, and as a matter of fact I should go out to and do a spot test on it to check its' consistency real quick. I'm likely just to go and do the flush myself, I just worry about the internal filter. I'm not used to them being stuffed so deep inside, I prefer them underneath the tranny covered by a pan. But if all I really should worry about changing is the external, well, sweet. Just need to know what model filter I need.

I'm guessing I should expect to replace around 10 liters or so as well.

Okay, just did a spot test on the tranny fluid, and while its a brownish color, it does spread out and set in the paper to a slight pink tint, so it's not too bad.

That lurching scares me, though.

mate dont worry about the filter, you have to pull the damn box apart to get to the internal filter. I used to think they didnt have one but apparently they do but its a bugger to get it. You will be better off flushing it through a couple of times to remove all old oil

To fix the lurching, flush the transmission completely till the fluid is coming out the same light pink colour as it's going in. Then, follow the procedure as follows...

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9649/magnatransshift.jpg

To fix the lurching, flush the transmission completely till the fluid is coming out the same light pink colour as it's going in. Then, follow the procedure as follows...

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9649/magnatransshift.jpg


Okay, boss. I've got a hot date in a garage this weekend, then. I'll post back with the result as soon as I know. If this clears it up, I'm gonna rename one of my wife's kid after you.

So, to confirm, is that an external filter I am seeing on top of the tranny, because if it is, I'd like to go ahead and change that in the process.

Man, I cannot wait to get my damn service manual in. Just ordered it the other day.

Make sure you using the right tranny fluid when changing the oil

Make sure you using the right tranny fluid when changing the oil

No worries, I'd read somewhere around here that it's actually cheaper to buy it up from a Mitsubishi dealer than it is to to hit up a repco or supercheap. No idea, but if I do go to supercheap, from what I understand, I should use Valvoline Type M-II Special or Castrol TQM-SP.

Should I consider using any additives or detergents?

No worries, I'd read somewhere around here that it's actually cheaper to buy it up from a Mitsubishi dealer than it is to to hit up a repco or supercheap. No idea, but if I do go to supercheap, from what I understand, I should use Valvoline Type M-II Special or Castrol TQM-SP.

Should I consider using any additives or detergents?

The Castrol TQM-SP will work as long it's an SP3 fluid, which I think that one is. Don't know anything about the Valvoline one. I'd recommend buying the fluid from Mitsubishi. Don't bother with detergents etc.

Service manual is free on this website. http://rapidshare.com/files/247582457/TH-TLmagnaworkshop.iso

mate dont worry about the filter, you have to pull the damn box apart to get to the internal filter. I used to think they didnt have one but apparently they do but its a bugger to get it. You will be better off flushing it through a couple of times to remove all old oil

Actually the TF should have an external spin-on filter located below the air snorkel. You may have to remove the airbox though, depending on how small your hands are.

hmmm interesting. If only there was a definitive place for this information freely accessible on the net

Just an update. I've had a flush performed by the mechanics at the dealership. It didn't fix the lurching. At this point all they're suggesting it throwing in a recon tranny in.

This is a punch in the junk. So anyway, I'm thinking of trying to locate one myself in hopes of saving a few dollars as opposed to the dealership.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I should go?

Go to a specialist transmission shop to get a 2nd opinion. The vast majority of dealership mechanics think the best way to diagnose a problem is to replace everything.

Hi mate,
If you want to PM me your details feel free to and I am happy to have a look at it, often the "dealership" flush is not much more than dump fluid and refill

If it is Trans, I have a good 4 speed auto avail

Mal

Did you try the computer relearn as per that sheet?

Disconnect the battery for 10 mins then follow that sheet. It works well.

Just a question, where does your idle sit? I had an old car that when the idle sat high (ie. choke on) I had something similar to what you're descibing. Just a thought...

The lurching I would guess is band adjustment, as increased gap between band & servo piston will cause lurching into gear. A service will/should fix this.
As far as the oil being the wrong color (says it is burnt) whether you can smell that burnt smell or not. again service will fix it , just make sure they flush the convertor as it will hold nearly as much trans oil as the box.

It has been my experiance (with 40 years of mechanial experiance) that Dealership mechanics are little more that parts fitters.
I did my trade in automatics & have worked in many many dealerships & found the quality of the mechanics is pathetic. At 2 different deaslerships i worked at I was the only mechanic (out of 20 or more) who could weld. Now that is motor mechanics 101

Crap, I forgot to follow up on this thread. I had decided to have the tranny serviced shortly after my last post in this thread, and it's still doing the same thing. I've tried training the tranny with the instructions above and no love. And now it's starting to do some shuddering thing very slightly when it downshifts. Honestly, I think it's coming to the point where I should get a reconditioned tranny thrown in, just to be done with it.

I've got to start shopping around for one but have no idea where to look at getting one.

Crap, I forgot to follow up on this thread. I had decided to have the tranny serviced shortly after my last post in this thread, and it's still doing the same thing. I've tried training the tranny with the instructions above and no love. And now it's starting to do some shuddering thing very slightly when it downshifts. Honestly, I think it's coming to the point where I should get a reconditioned tranny thrown in, just to be done with it.

I've got to start shopping around for one but have no idea where to look at getting one.

What about MadMagnas offer?

What about MadMagnas offer?

I've PM'ed him. According to some people's signature's around here, if I don't go to MadMagna, I'd be a bloody idiot. :D Looking forward to finding out what I can.

Just an update. I've had a flush performed by the mechanics at the dealership. It didn't fix the lurching. At this point all they're suggesting it throwing in a recon tranny in.

This is a punch in the junk. So anyway, I'm thinking of trying to locate one myself in hopes of saving a few dollars as opposed to the dealership.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I should go?

FYI this was the first sign mine had before failure, it started about 50,000km ago and broke last week.