AU Fairmont transmission problems

aufairmontwa · 03-01-2013, 08:01 PM

I am hoping someone can give me some advice cause I am pretty much at my wits end!

I have a 1999 AU Fairmont 5.0L and there is an issue with regards to the transmission. When first driven from cold the car drives absolutely fine however after about 15-20mins of driving the problem starts.

Once warmed up the car seems to rev out higher in first gear and then the car jumps into another gear, which to me seems like 3rd and not 2nd gear. This only happens when going from 1st gear, all other gear changes seem ok.

I took it to my usual mechaninc and he looked at it an advised that it was actually a miss fire which was causing the issue with the transmission so I had new plugs, leads, cam shaft sensor etc.. changed to fix the miss fire. Obviously the mechanic never drove the car for any period of time as when I drove it the following day after a while the same problem was still happening.

I took the car back to the mechanic and he had advised that the problem is being caused by a faulty radiator which is leaking fluid into the transmission however he has also said that the transmission also needs replacing.

As the car drives fine when cold I am a little baffled that the transmission would need replacing however not being a mechanic I am only going on guess work?

I am interested if anyone has come across this problem or has any advice on what the problem may be, I would be greatly appreciative of suggestions.

Cheers,

Dan

Maka · 04-01-2013, 09:34 AM

If the mechanic said the radiator is faulty & leaking coolant into the transmission, unfortunately your up *&^% creek! You have to confirm his advice somehow while NOT driving the car.... look in the coolant tank & check the colour/condition of the coolant - is it mixed with red transmission fluid? Check the link & go from there. Good luck with it

http://www.ehow.com/how_5031298_chec...ion-fluid.html

cheers, Maka

**auIILTD** · 04-01-2013, 11:41 AM

Your mechanic doesn't seem to be able to make up his mind. l would be taking it to a trans specialist asap for a diagnosis. It may be as simple as needing a flush and service.

Stu

peterljohnson55 · 12-01-2013, 02:07 AM

Definitely use a specialist. Suggest you dont use a non-specialist like I did initially and it cost me $1000 for the first effort, then another $1800ish to get it right. Big lesson learned.

Dr Jekkyl · 15-01-2013, 01:40 PM

This sounds exactly the same as the issue I was having in my EL Ghia.

The problem was the S5 solenoid and it is easy to fix - definitely worth trying at least.

Drop the pan, lower the valvebody, remove the S5 (largest solenoid) & replace.

I got a new S5 for $100 and it took me about 2 hours to do the job but I was being very,very cautious.

Of course I went to 3 transmission places first and all insisted that I needed a total recon.

12 months on it is shifting like new.

millview41 · 17-01-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auIILTD

Your mechanic doesn't seem to be able to make up his mind. l would be taking it to a trans specialist asap for a diagnosis. It may be as simple as needing a flush and service.

Stu

His Mechanic isn't a mechanics pair of overalls and I don't believe how some people are so easily conned .
A spark plug affecting the Auto Trans ,
A leaking radiator affecting the Trans
What about a dead fly on the Windscreen creating a miss in the Engine
Or a full ash tray meaning you need a new Car .
Come you blokes get some proper advice when you need it , ask a Mate or at least someone that knows something about cars . Jeez I wish I was young enough and still be working as a Mechanic I would make a fortune except for the fact that I could not lie enough to sound real .WAKE UP YOU BLOKES.

**auIILTD** · 17-01-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millview41

A leaking radiator affecting the Trans

Who are you telling to wake up? Maybe some keyboard warriors should think before the run off at the fingers? Th advice given is valid, just because I didn't comment on the rediculous nature of the claims from the mechanic doesn't mean I need to wake up.

Not sure when you where a mechanic, but I am not a mechanic and know that in factory form, the auto trans fluid runs through the radiator for cooling. A leaking radiator in our AUs could in fact fill the trans with water.

This forum member was a obviously concerned and is also not a mechanic. Advice can be given without insulting people. That is the benefit of the forums.

Awake,
Stu

Maka · 17-01-2013, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millview41

His Mechanic isn't a mechanics pair of overalls and I don't believe how some people are so easily conned .
A spark plug affecting the Auto Trans ,
A leaking radiator affecting the Trans
What about a dead fly on the Windscreen creating a miss in the Engine
Or a full ash tray meaning you need a new Car .
Come you blokes get some proper advice when you need it , ask a Mate or at least someone that knows something about cars . Jeez I wish I was young enough and still be working as a Mechanic I would make a fortune except for the fact that I could not lie enough to sound real .WAKE UP YOU BLOKES.

mr milview41,

ever heard of people bypassing theyre radiators when fitting aftermarket transmission coolers and why? Since we need to wake up, how about you TONE DOWN youre attitude bloke!

http://showmoreresultsfromwww.fordfo...php?t=11300773

cheers, Maka