Hey guys i have a couple of questions,
I wanted to know the signs of a 4 speed auto gearbox on its way out.( its a 96 te altera)

I also wanted to know what "flaring" is with the auto box.

It shifts very smoothly and doesn't jump into gears. But when im in park and i put it into drive it takes like 2 sec to shift into drive and it sort of jerks forward a bit but also feels like it slides into it at the same time ( sorry hard to explain in words but somewhere along those lines) any ideas???

cheers
Martin

Flaring is when the revs jump higher inbetween forward gear changes (feels as if it were going to neutral before the next gear).
When you say it takes 2 secs and jerks forward when going into drive, this could be an indication of wear. Does it happen all the time? Are you putting it into drive before the revs drop down after startup?

First thing I'd do is check the condition of the transmission oil on the dipstick (it should be a dark red colour). If it's darker (brown or black) then do a transmission flush + refill with genuine mitsu trans oil + a new filter then see how it goes from there.

yer the fluid looks pinky red, doesnt look black at all. It only jerks when its cold when its warm it doesn't jerk.

ummm also what would some signs if it was going to die on me?

ummm also what would some signs if it was going to die on me?

Car won't go forward or back - a pretty clear sign it is dead. In the meantime, look for:

Gear changes that are not smooth, or landing in a false neutral during a gear change and the engine revving high.
Car lurching forward when engaging drive.
Dash light flashing. I believe "N" light flashing = overheating.
Locked in third gear = failsafe mode.

Stuff like that.
Meh. Gearboxes die all the time. Stop worrying and just save up some cash in case it does.

NOTE: Some gearbox failure like symptoms can be caused by TPS maladjustment or failure. Or low/high fluid level. Or wrong fluid.

well before that happens im going for a drive down to madmagna and get a manual conversion done and be done with it :D