Tranny Filter

[Joe_Black]

Any capacitors within the ECU will not power or back-up anything other than the ECU. So stepping on the brake pedal to activate the brake lights will not drain down the ECU at all.

Impresses the chicks needing help at Pep Boys I imagine though.

[rowhard]

Thanks Joe, it seemed a bit like B.S. to me but then I was a wrench bender on jets, not a spark chaser.

[nfpgasmask]

OK, I went under and checked my fluid. I had the above instructions (which I think are still worded really funny) in hand.

I think I was low on fluid. I let the VX idle for about a minute, then went through the shifter at every gear range, each for about 30 secs. Then I crawled under and opened the plug. No fluid came out, so I started pumping. With the VX still running, I kept pumping. I pumped at least 1.5 quarts in and still no fluid coming out. By this time, my neck was cramping badly so I crawled out and shut off the VX. I got up and stretched for about 30 secs and then I heard some fluid trickling out. Sure enough, it was coming out now into the pan. I let it come out for a few more secs and then capped off the fill hole.

Now, from what I can tell, with the VX running, ATF is sucked up into the vehicle's system. When the VX is off, it drains down into the pan. Does that sound right?

I hope I have enough in now and not too much. I mean, how exact is this science?

Man, I wish there was an easier way to check and fill the ATF. What a pain in the @55!

Bart

[Joe_Black]

Trannys are tough when you're not in it from the start, so you have to build a baseline to actually know how much fluid is in there. I've been fiddling with a homebuilt flush tool that would capture and measure what comes out so you could add the same amount back in. It's frustrating to try and make something that's easy to build, easy to understand, user friendly and light on the wallet.

In any case, welcome to the "4L30E Club". We're a grumpy bunch, and deservedly so!

Hopefully the additional volume of fluid will take care of the hard shifts.

[nfpgasmask]

Thanks for all your help throughout this Joe, and everyone else too.

It is very frustrating, mainly because I want to be confident enough to do work on my VX at home, to save money AND to make sure she is properly taken care of. However, it was an experience like this that leaves me saying to myself, "What the h3ll and I doing?".

Anyway, now I understand 100% more why my buddy was surprised at the "no dipstick" issue. I really hope I am in the clear now. The last thing I want to do is burn up my tranny this weekend.

Uggg.

Bart

Trannys are tough when you're not in it from the start, so you have to build a baseline to actually know how much fluid is in there. I've been fiddling with a homebuilt flush tool that would capture and measure what comes out so you could add the same amount back in. It's frustrating to try and make something that's easy to build, easy to understand, user friendly and light on the wallet.

In any case, welcome to the "4L30E Club". We're a grumpy bunch, and deservedly so!

Hopefully the additional volume of fluid will take care of the hard shifts.

[AREA 51]

By this time, my neck was cramping badly so I crawled out and shut off the VX. I got up and stretched for about 30 secs and then I heard some fluid trickling out. Sure enough, it was coming out now into the pan. I let it come out for a few more secs and then capped off the fill hole.


Bart

If you don't have it RUNNING when you check it you're still low.

[nfpgasmask]

If you don't have it RUNNING when you check it you're still low.

OK, so, I need to have the VX running idle in PARK, and then pump fluid in until it comes out? Wow, I guess I better buy another couple quarts.

This morning she shifted much better, so I know I got more fluid in. I guess I will need to get under there again.

Thanks - Bart