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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Change or not...
        
(Message started by: phatt98 on Mar 5^th, 2009, 10:21pm)

Title: Change or not...
Post by phatt98 on Mar 5^th, 2009, 10:21pm

my Ultima 2.3 Auto has 109k and just been fully serviced... new suspension, shocks, etc etc

I'm about to take it on a cross-European run in next 2-3 weeks...

Problem is the auto fluid is black... do I change the fluid or leave it as is...?

The operation of the box is surprisingly silky smooth !

if so, what fluid do you recommend and do I need a transmission specialist to do it or my local garage?

Anything else I should be aware of

Please advise... ???

Title: Re: Change or not...
Post by scorpio_man on Mar 6^th, 2009, 1:18pm

hi there

is it really black as in burnt or just a dark brown?

if dark brown, i'd go ahead and change it. best to get a garage or autobox place to do it as it's really messy job. this will only change 1/2 the fluid as the rest stays in the t/c. remember to change the filter in the sump.

hth

Title: Re: Change or not...
Post by mr._floppy on Mar 6^th, 2009, 6:49pm

Yeah, get it done.

It won't fix faults that have already developed but it will prolong the life of the box.

Costs about £100-160.

Title: Re: Change or not...
Post by Highlander on Mar 6^th, 2009, 7:02pm

on 03/05/09 at 22:21:57, phatt98 wrote:

I'm about to take it on a cross-European run in next 2-3 weeks...

Sod's law says the box will fail during that run

Black oil is a BAD sign, I dunno if I'd risk a trip abroad with it have a look here...

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/autogearbox.htm

"E. If the dipstick shows fluid a brown colour with a burnt smell (like rancid chip fat) then there is bad news. The fluid has been overheated and/or there is brake band friction surface contamination of the fluid, while black gritty bits are the solenoid seals breaking up. Changing the filter and fluid will be a waste of money because the autobox will fail at some time in the near future. This is so even if the autobox is working correctly - in this case failure may be sudden and total (ie selecting any gear other than P or D immediately stalls the engine), or the 'box will drop one gear after another until it limits engine torque and you limp home at 19 mph. If you find your auto fluid in this state then join the AA or the RAC immediately because you will need a tow at some stage. Have an autobox specialist give you a quote for reconditioning your 'box."

Title: Re: Change or not...
Post by phatt98 on Mar 6^th, 2009, 9:23pm

Uh oh...

I'm sure it's black as night.. although it never looked gritty...

Luckily I upgraded my AA membership to full Euro cover last night... but that was after booking the ferry/trip! :'(

So... I'd best book it in with an auto transmission specialist next week I guess...

Can anyone suggest a decent one in or around North London?

Title: Re: Change or not...
Post by Highlander on Mar 6^th, 2009, 9:58pm

Have you had the car long? was the gearbox oil ok previously?

Maybe someone has put the wrong type of oil in at sometime, you just never know.

Sorry, got to ask... were you checking the right dipstick (I've done it myself) :D

Difficult one, I'd run it until it failed if I was staying here but you AA Eurocover should see you alright abroad ;)

Do they supply you with a replacement car?

Worst case scenario you dont want a gearbox failure on your first day and have to come home :-/

I'm quite sure your auto specialist will advise a new box though :-/

You know the box will probably outlast the car now after all this ;)