My transmission never slipped --- and now, no gears engage!

[TomsSVX]

yeah, I am gonna say that ECU has fail. First thing would be to check and make sure all the connections are good. Then maybe replace the TCU if nothing else shows signs of faults.

Tom

[TheKoP]

Hopefully I can dig one up soon to test the theory. Although it seemed to make difference when I unplugged it

[TomsSVX]

did you unplug it before or after you tested for codes?? I have quite a few here you could use for troubleshooting

Tom

[TheKoP]

Originally Posted by TomsSVX

did you unplug it before or after you tested for codes?? I have quite a few here you could use for troubleshooting

Tom

Good point. I pulled codes after I tried disconnecting it. I didn't even think of that. I guess that's what happens when you're tired I guess it makes sense seeing as 25 was the only existing code to display.
I'll be back to my car later today so I'll start it up for a bit, drive around the lot and then try to pull the codes again.

[TomsSVX]

ok, just please make sure its a 25 because thats not even a registered code, I will do some more searching for it

Tom

[TheKoP]

It was definitely a 25. Had to do some searching to find out what it meant. The thing is, the ATF light didn't start to blink at all until after I disconnected the TCU. 25 was the only current code logged in the system, so I'll assume that unplugging the TCU caused the code. After re-connecting and checking current codes, none are given.
Anyway, I ended up bringing the car down to my mechanic today. Unfortunately there too many things going on at the moment and I can't really dedicate the time to repair, nor do I really think I have the tools or knowledge/ skill/ luck to get the job done. I'll see what he finds and report back. Thanks to everyone for all the help though, if nothing else it's a learning experience

[TomsSVX]

keep us updated as to the cause of the troubles as you find out... good luck!

Tom

[TheKoP]

OK, accdording to my mechanic the transmission is kaput He found another one with 55,000 miles and said he could get it and swap for ~1200. Now as much as I'd like to do a MT swap, it isn't feasible due to the cost and looming talk of layoffs at my company.
I'd like to consider an alternate AT for the time being. I've read a bit about 4.44/4.11 swaps but need to do more digging in regards to advantages and disadvantages to each as well as possible cost and work involved. I'll assume that the actual cost of the transmission would be lower due to the larger amount available. Any input and suggestions on this matter would be helpful and appreciated. I miss my SVX already and would love to have her back.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by TheKoP

OK, accdording to my mechanic the transmission is kaput

Unfortunately this is a typical technical diagnosis and one is left wondering as to the real cause.

[TheKoP]

Originally Posted by Trevor

Unfortunately this is a typical technical diagnosis and one is left wondering as to the real cause.

Sadly it is usually the case. This was the "quick and dirty" version of it that was given to me. I'll be talking to him more this week and try to get a rough translation of what went wrong if possible.

[huck369]

Originally Posted by TheKoP

OK, accdording to my mechanic the transmission is kaput He found another one with 55,000 miles and said he could get it and swap for ~1200. Now as much as I'd like to do a MT swap, it isn't feasible due to the cost and looming talk of layoffs at my company.
I'd like to consider an alternate AT for the time being. I've read a bit about 4.44/4.11 swaps but need to do more digging in regards to advantages and disadvantages to each as well as possible cost and work involved. I'll assume that the actual cost of the transmission would be lower due to the larger amount available. Any input and suggestions on this matter would be helpful and appreciated. I miss my SVX already and would love to have her back.

Teh 4.44/4.11 swap is a straight plug and play, same as an original tranny EXCEPT you also have to get a matching rear diff, and swap the ring and pinion from the new rear diff and the SVX rear diff

[TheKoP]

Originally Posted by huck369

Teh 4.44/4.11 swap is a straight plug and play, same as an original tranny EXCEPT you also have to get a matching rear diff, and swap the ring and pinion from the new rear diff and the SVX rear diff

Thanks for the confirmation on that. It's what I've gathered from my searches, so I'm really leaning towards it. Most likely a 4.44. Just need to get a list of possible "organ donors" to help with the physical search. I found the nice write-up that SXVFILES did, if nothing else it's a really good reference.

[TheKoP]

OK, I've decided on going with the 96-97 Legacy Outback for the Donor for the 4.44 swap. I'll avoid the 98 due to the filter issues I've read about. I'll report back with my findings.

[TheKoP]

Well, things have changed a bit. Sorry for not posting an update but alot has been going on lately Karma must REALLY be getting me back for my "misguided" youth. Anyway...
After checking around for an alternate tranny, it became clear to me that it was going to end up costing more to have it installed than a straight swap. So, sadly I decided to stick with the SVX tranny for economic purposes for the time being.
The work was done and completed, car drives fine now I'm glad to have it back finally. Unfortunately someone hit the back of my car while I was parked and now I have a nice little dent right above the bumper w/ paint flaking off.
Thanks again to everyone for all info, suggestions and help. If nothing else it will be a good reference for myself for the future and for anyone else who searches out this problem.

[svxistentialist]

You got it sorted, that's the main thing.

Sorry to hear about your prang in the back, and thanks for letting us know the outcome.

Joe