Hi there,

My ride: 2001 Magna TJ Exec. 4spd auto. 186,000km paid $2000 for it in August 2011.

This is my first post. I've trolled the forums for a few days attempting to find some information on my dead gearbox. Hoping for a little extra feedback here.

I was driving to Brisbane from the Gold Coast last Sunday with my mates when I pulled off the Mwy and went to accelerate slightly up a tiny hill, as the 4 speed auto gearbox downshifted it just slipped out of gear, no clunking or grind just acted as if it went into Neutral. So I pull over and check the other gears and I got nothing at all, no reverse, Low, 2, 3 or Drive.

So I had it towed to a nearby shop in Coopers Plain which is about an hour away from my home. Basically the mechanic who probably hasn't even looked at the car said to just replace the gearbox. Quoted me $650 for a box from the wreckers and $1300 all up for the removal and install, fluids etc.

From what I described does this sound like a sure thing, torque converter and/or gearbox dead? Or could it be the ECU? I need advice as to what I should do, spend to fix (selling in May) or just sell the car as is and find something else to last me till May? How much is it worth with no tranny?

I'm from Canada so I don't have any tools or jacks to get under the car or I'd try and tackle this job myself and put a manual one in. hehe

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

Cheers

Trans has lost its oil pump, in before others WAVE SPRING....well really no it is not but thought I would just satisfy the masses

Could be several reasons for the oil pump to fail however either way $650 is what I sell boxes for so that is fair however the labour charge is excessive, as a guide I charge $1000 tow in drive out for a TJ auto fitted. This includes a flush also.

Replacement is the only cheaper option, rebuild will cost you far more than $1300 alone plus remove and install.

Have you tried Unique Mits Bits..?

He's in QLD and may be able to assist you with a second hand gearbox.

SuFz :ninja:

Wow thanks for the quick replies guys.

So the oil pump you reckon! I've sent an email to unique mits bits to see if they have any boxes. I'll keep shopping around local wreckers and shops that will give me a decent rate. $1300 is pretty high since I only paid $2000 for the car haha.

Hi and welcome MagnaTJ01. When my auto trans went on my TR last year I got it replaced with a secondhand one, with 3 months warranty, at Qld Automatics at Newman Rd Geebung for only $850. They organised the towing which cost only $75. Their phone number for a quote is 3266 6038. Can't remember their names but they are a nice couple running the shop.

Good luck.

Hi and welcome MagnaTJ01. When my auto trans went on my TR last year I got it replaced with a secondhand one, with 3 months warranty, at Qld Automatics at Newman Rd Geebung for only $850. They organised the towing which cost only $75. Their phone number for a quote is 3266 6038. Can't remember their names but they are a nice couple running the shop.

Good luck.

Thanks you for that. Gave them a ring, I believe his name was Dave. He said $660 for removal/install, flush, that's without the gearbox. He's going to call around and see if he can find one for me. Looks like I'm still seating around the $1300 mark.

Wow looks like it is time for me to double my rate, I charge $350 for remove and refit with including a flush. Queensland prices seem to be on the up and up.

Average price for a box should be around the $650 mark, time to do the job generally 2.5 hours if you take it easy, 2 hours if you set a good pace

MagnaTJ01.. Whereabouts are you located..?

My mechanic charged me $150 for a remove and refit on my old TF..

SuFz :ninja:

$1300 is pretty high since I only paid $2000 for the car haha.

Unfortunately repair costs aren't relative to the purchase price of the car.
Like the car, you get what you pay for in terms of repairs and workmanship in most cases.
I also recommend contacting Unique Mits Bits, many members including myself and Sufz have had mechanical work done by home and can vouch for his work.

MagnaTJ01.. Whereabouts are you located..?

My mechanic charged me $150 for a remove and refit on my old TF..

SuFz :ninja:

I live in Broadbeach, the car is stuck at Harris Automotive Service in Archerfield South of Brisbane.

Ahh okay..

If Unique Mits Bits has a box, that's not too far from his place.

SuFz

Madmagna, you must be a magician to do it so quickly. It generally takes me that long to just clean everything so I can start.

No, just experienced :)

Well after long thought I think the best decision is to sell the Magna as is on gumtree or to a local wrecker. If I were to put a 2nd hand gearbox in for $1300, by the time May rolls around and I want to sell it with a RWC, I'll end up spending heaps more for that. Just seems like a money pit if I want to fix it up. And also the worry about something else going on it or even the 2nd hand gearbox going.

Take what I can get for it now and purchase another car that I can sell for roughly the same price I bought it for in May. That way I am only losing about $1300 since the original purchase of the Magna instead sinking that amount and possibly more into it.

Any ideas of what I could get for it in it's current state? And thanks for all the replies, you've all been very helpful.

You would get more for it stripping it down for parts, most worthwhile mention is the engine.
Otherwise most wreckers will take it off your hands for a couple of hundred.

If it's just a base model Magna, they're worth sweet **** all, especially if they're not running. I reckon you'd be better off getting it fixed. Have you contacted Unique Mits Bits?

I've contacted Tony from Unique Mits Bits and he said $350 for the gearbox and $400 for the install. Sounds pretty decent to me. I'll just have to organize a tow to him.