Slipping Transmission

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by lsupcar

Trevor, I reread your link.
I could ask them again to check the line pressure to confirm a problem there, but in regard to solenoid a and the filter and debris, I am currently running a remanufactured svx transmission from Subaru installed in 2004, so shouldn't it have any updates in regard to a solenoid a filter? Is the solenoid a separately replaceable part?

I very much doubt that they will honestly check the line pressure and do they have a gauge with the required fitting? The too-hard basket is close at hand along with your cheque-book! Put the question to them, "do you have the factory manual test and diagnosis instructions?"

Yes the "A" solenoid is a seperate component and can be replaced without removing the transmission by dropping the pan and valve body. It is normal practice to replcae all the solenoids if the valve body is removed in consideration of the time/cost involved and the solenoids are often supplied as a ready wired complete kit.

You are prabably correct in ruling out a filtter blockage.

It would appear that the transmission is running in limp-home mode and should be driveable with care. Can you get the car to an honest good general mechanic, rather than a transmission specialist? Even a friend with mechanical knowledge. The manuals are available on line, check out the data yourself. Others here will help you find them. I can advise regarding adapting a pressure gauge.

Cheers, stick with it.

[Trevor]

Attached is some additional data and write-ups I have previously posted, which should assist.

[lsupcar]

Thanks Trevor.
Don't you hate when you have to force someone to do their job correctly?
I actually have a paper copy of the service manuals, but anytime I have offered them to mechanics over the years, no one has ever been interested.
I will go through the troubleshooting checklist so I can understand the process better, but for some jobs I prefer to pass it off to a professional for resolution.
I have changed the tranny fluid and filter not long ago, but am unsure about doing any more invasive tranny work myself.
I understand that the reason to follow the diagnostic schematic is to avoid unnecessary repair, but am I correct that to avoid a complete rebuild, the only realistic hope is that the solenoids are bad? Which are tested with the pressure test. I confirmed that part is available for purchase. In a set of multiple like you said.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by lsupcar

Thanks Trevor.
Don't you hate when you have to force someone to do their job correctly?
I actually have a paper copy of the service manuals, but anytime I have offered them to mechanics over the years, no one has ever been interested.
I will go through the troubleshooting checklist so I can understand the process better, but for some jobs I prefer to pass it off to a professional for resolution.
I have changed the tranny fluid and filter not long ago, but am unsure about doing any more invasive tranny work myself.
I understand that the reason to follow the diagnostic schematic is to avoid unnecessary repair, but am I correct that to avoid a complete rebuild, the only realistic hope is that the solenoids are bad? Which are tested with the pressure test. I confirmed that part is available for purchase. In a set of multiple like you said.

It is always possible that a total rebuild is necessary but also likely that the fault could be due to a lack of line pressure due to the failure of solenoid "A". In the event that the line pressure is low you can decide accordingly.

In the name of common sense and logic, is it not obvious that the first off, the manufacturers instructions should be abided by and the line pressure checked? Would you fully overhaul an engine without first diagnosing a suspected faul? Please read all of my write-ups and Subaru's data and work from there.

You say, "Don't you hate when you have to force someone to do their job correctly?" I have been around for 91 years doing it all myself and only now, when having to rely on so called "tradesmen", am l constatly driven up the bloody wall. LOL You have my absolute sympathy!

[lsupcar]

Update.
Well the tranny has been rebuilt and works well. However, the binding in the driveline remains and the transmission shop I used are unable to effect a repair. I have lost faith in them as they have been told by another general repair garage that the problem was in the transfer case but informed me they checked out the front diff and the problem was not there. What? They could not understand where and what the transfer case is. This is after three months of having the car for this problem. I find it hard to believe a transmission shop does not know about transfer cases, but apparently this one does not. It was past time to get the car out of there.
The question is, now what to do?
Other than a bad oil leak, if this was fixed the car would drive well.
Thanks. Needed to vent.
Bill Z

[92Pearlie]

When this transmission was rebuilt, did they service the MPT clutch? If you've got torque bind, the MPT should be where they look. The extension housing is what they're looking for when they say "transfer case", it's bolted to the back of the transmission. They were probably looking for a separate case like a 4X4 truck would have.

[Blacky]

Duty solenoid C in the transfer case is a likely culprit. That was was where my issue was.
If they rebuilt the tranny then the transfer case should have been part of the rebuild. For the money you spent a fully functional transmission is the least to expect.

[lsupcar]

Yes, I was telling them where to look, used the words duty solenoid c and gave them my paper copy of the official service manual.
The transfer case should have been part of the tranny rebuild but was not.
I came to the point where I realized they were never going to do it right so I pulled the plug.

[lsupcar]

Update.
If you can believe it, the car is still in a transmission shop, But a different one then the original.
The problem is that the binding when turning in reverse continues for a few minutes after starting the car, then it releases and works fine.
This shop has made it a mission to figure it out and has put in a complete reman tranny with transfer case, front axels, complete examination of the rear diff innards and fluid changes.
They think the only things left are the transmission control module or the rear diff.
They suggested I obtain a replacement tranny control module to swap in to see if that works.
Anyone have one I could try.
Thanks.

[TomsSVX]

I would check the TPS signal to the TCM. It might "think" it's asking for more throttle input than it's actually getting causing the TCM to command a high duty cycle for the solenoid c

Tom

[lsupcar]

Thanks. I will check that.

[lsupcar]

Update.
I think it is fixed.
The shop replaced the transmission control module with a good used unit and the binding in sharp turns when going backward and forward seems to be gone.
The shop told me to take it and drive it for a week or so to make sure the binding does not return. Knock on wood I hope I didn't jinx myself by declaring victory.
Now to find out how much the shop will charge for about one year of work. Haha.

[Blacky]

I'm pulling for you.

[lsupcar]

I spoke to the shop owner, and he told me he is not charging me a certain price. He invited me to pay what I thought was right.
I've been thinking about what to do.
Opinions?