Background: swapped in a '06 AV6 transmission back in March + new OEM fluid, I just did a 1x3 flush with Redline D4 about 400 miles ago (yes, I already have the other 6 bottles to finish the 3x3 job, just haven't had time), I've checked the fluid (hot) a few times and it's been perfect and have been shifting smoothly/better.

This morning, leaving for work, and it wouldn't go into 2nd, just revved to 4K. Then it kinda did the same going into 2nd, and hard shifted into 4th. The downshift was rough as well into 3rd.

After the car was warmed up, all was well...rode like it has been for the last week since the fluid change. LAST time, when it went out, it was warm/hot. This time it was when it was cold. Drove it during lunch, and had no problems at all.

Should I attempt to change the pressure switches? Any recommendations?

 

Usually when it acts up when cold and not when warm the fluid level is low. Are you checking it when dead cold after sitting all night?

Pressure switches and fluid won't solve this particular issue but they're a very good idea to do for the longevity of the trans.

If the fluid level is fine, it's most likely an electrical issue. It sounds like the line pressure is being jacked up too high for some reason.

 

Hmm...I thought you were supposed to check it when it was warm???

Thanks for replying

 

You can do either but since it has symptoms of being under filled when cold I would check it then. It really sounds like it's going to be an electrical problem but the fluid is so easy to check, you might as well try it when cold and with the engine off.

 

Electrical? Ugh...

I just checked the fluid after the car has been sitting for 4.5 hours and the fluid was at the top dot. When it was warmed up/hot, the fluid appeared to be in between the dots.

 

The converter is draining back into the "pan". Not a good thing but not necessarily a bad thing. 4.5hrs is not long enough. Try checking first thing in the morning before you start it. Then start it, shift to drive and reverse, shut it off and recheck.

 

I checked it this morning and it was the same (right on/below) the top dot. Started it up, shifted through the gears and it was about halfway between.

Thing is, it didn't do that this morning. Damn, if it's electrical, I'm gonna have to take it some where.

 

It's possible it just hung a valve up for a few minutes and freed itself. It happens sometimes in the valvebody, clearances are very tight and all it takes is the smallest piece of debris and it will stick a valve.

Just to get this straight, it's only done this one time, right?

 

Yep, just once. I'll keep an eye on it and finish the 3x3 + pressure switches this weekend. Thanks again man.

 

update: Did the 2nd 1x3 flush a couple weeks ago. I went WOT one time and it appears that when it shifts into 3rd, it catches, but doesn't pull....then you can feel it start pulling. I can't explain it. When it does this, it doesn't rev like it isn't in gear. It seems to shift, but it's like I lose power.

Sometimes it does this when driving normal/up-hill too.