VS V6 Auto Trans - misbehaving

[Vombil]

To anyone who may have a few clues....

ive got a 97 Vs v6 auto ute 190,000kms and the auto locks up really early at
79-81kmph. when it goes into lock up the revs take a big drop and it
drones and labors until its doing 87-90kmph. its had a rebuild to the
auto 40,000 kms ago. the trans oil is a very light brown (not pink) but
does not look dirty or smell burnt. a mechanic recently told me that they have
just used a differnt brand/type of fluid perhaps. any suggestions on the early lock up? and
do you think a flush and replacement of fluid would change anything?
thanks

Vom

[Sandaro]

Not claiming any experience in that model auto, but fluid seems to be the root of most auto misbehaving problems. So I'd be starting there as a relatively cheap fix to change fluid and see if that cures it.

[jason.ruff]

Im not sure with the 4L60E but earlier ones had an adjustment inside the vacuum modulator, where you could adjust shifts. Is there fluid coming out of the modulator? Light brown trans oil doesn't sound good, I thought they were all red for a reason.
Seems like the pressure in these is controlled electronically, good old google.

[jason.ruff]

Sorry for the confusion. I helped a mate install one of these after he was having trouble with his transmission. Apparently the EPC uses 7 different inputs, where this uses vacuum like the old ones. Fixed the problem.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TransGo-4...item3c913210cd

[Vombil]

that sounds like a great idea to do that little mod. any ideas... Dr Terry??

[adam perth]

service the auto. USE DEX 111 and AC Delco filter kit with a neoprene gasket, all up $50.

The Type F trans fluids (FORDS etc) shift differently to the GM trans which commonly use type D fluids like DEX 111.

Drag racing guys use type F fluids in GM trans because the shift is quicker than the recommended type D fluids..

or your TCC solenoid may be on the way out

[Vombil]

thanks adam. i dont like the idea of mixing trans diff colour fluids so i might not bother with a pan drop. looks like a full flush if i end up keeping it. atm i just pop it into PWR mode if the limit is 80

[Big Rob]

Change the fluid and filter!

Light brown fluid means it's dirty and is full of worn band residue.

I know it's a pain to drop the pan without a drain plug, but it will be worth it.

[adam perth]

drop the pan, most of them have a magnet on the bottom which a flush won't clean.

fun Saturday morning job..

stick with the VS ute for a parts chaser / work ute, they are the best model, first of the proven ecotech v6, last of the full housing diffs.

upgrade to a VT box is all they need