Hey guys,

I just bought a 98 Solara quite low ks with 170k , very happy with it, but after disconnecting the battery i had some issues, where the D light doesn't turn on, (on the dash), all the others light up but D doesn't, i serviced the car (oil and filters) and took it for a run, and it jumped out of gear like it went into neutral them engaged again and kept going.

At the moment it shifts smoothly with the first two gears, then the third has a slight slip and 4th also.
I checked the Auto filter and it looks like it has never been changed, its black with jap writing on it and the AT oil is quite dirty.

I know it needs a good flush (sending it in tomoro), but i hope its nothing too serious, fingers crossed...

D light bulb is blown, mine did the same thing. T5 bulb, takes 5 mins to replace.

As for slipping in 3rd/4th. Get it flush ASAP! If it still slips your clutch packs are gone (this is what happened to mine) - One day I was on the freeway, went to overtake and instead of kicking down it revved out and smashed 4th gear.

D light bulb is blown, mine did the same thing. T5 bulb, takes 5 mins to replace.


Thanx Life, do i need to take the steering wheel off to take the speedo out?

No need to take the wheel of, just lower it, then take the clear plastic screen, first part that needs to go is the plastic trim around (its held by 2 screws at the top), once thats off you will see 2 screws that are holding clear cover, take it off & you can access the globe you need to change.

Yep change the fluid, think the autos have a special gear learning procedure that you need to take them through after disconnecting the battery.

Pretty sure it needs to sit for 10 minutes after the disconnect, then run it through the different gears for a few seconds while stationary. I wondering if Mal can confirm?

Ok guys thanks for your help, i just tried changing the bulb and [Life] was right...i swapped over bulb [3] to [D] and [D] lit up..now onto the other gearbox issue...my mechanic told me to take it to an auto specialist, i called them and they will take it for a drive and see if its just a general auto service for (quote$180) or more serious...

Should be just a service on it. I changed the AT fluid on my old TP magna and it drive completely different! Drove like a new car and the gears were so much quicker/snappier.

Definitely do a relearn for the TCU. This is the official procedure for 3rd gens.

N-D and N-R Engagement Learning Procedure:
Reset TCU by disconnecting battery negative terminal for 5 seconds.
Ensure trans fluid temp is approx 30° C (Must be less than 50° C).
Start the engine and allow to idle in P until the engine is below 1000 rpm
Apply the brake, select D and wait for 3 seconds, select N and wait for three seconds, repeat this 5 times.
Apply the brake, select R and wait for 3 seconds, select N and wait for 3 seconds, repeat this 5 times.

Upshift Learning Procedure:
On a safe section of road, away from traffic, accelerate with constant throttle to cause a 2–3 up-shift on a level road at the vehicle speed noted below. Then brake very softly to a complete stop.
VEHICLE SPEED
2.4 L 40 to 45 kph
3.0 L 45 to 50 kph
3.5 L 55 to 60 kph
Repeat at least 5 times in sequence.

Thanks Firestorm...this is my first auto, after driving a manual for over 15 years...

Anyway took her for a drive, did the auto cycle P,N,D etc... then took it on the freeway for a good run, then to the local industrial area for a stop and start to 4th gear, and the car seems a lot better, more smoother and i cant really feel the 3rd slip at all and the 4th is barely noticeable. Before i do more i will get her flushed out...i will take it to an auto specialist tomoro, for a proper flush with the machine, later il do the ongoing atf change myself.

This autospeed artilce on atf flush, really helped:
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_3019/article.html

thanx again guys :)

Good news, took her in to the auto specialist today and she was going smoother than ever when he took her for a run, he said sometimes has to take Magna's through the learn cycle (battery off, cycle through gears etc) more than once, anyway shes all good, just needs a good flush which i will get done today :).

Good to hear mate. You have a low number of posts aswell... so welcome to the club I guess :)

No problem at all champ, glad to hear all is going well. :)

Yeah that's right, im new here, but i am not a stranger to car forums or car clubs or car audio SQ, though this is my auto and First Mitsubishi after a few Toyotas.