I Ran When I Heard "Automatic Transmission Issues"
Thread Starter
I Wanna Beer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 109
From: Minneapolis, MN
I Ran When I Heard "Automatic Transmission Issues"
I was looking into the CL Type-S and was ready to buy when I found out about the automatic transmission issues. I had automatic transmission issues in the past with my SHO and it makes me cringe to even think about it. Lemme tell you a lil about what happened.
The automatic transmission option was added to the SHO in '93 but they sure weren't built to hold the power. Even the manual transmissions didn't hold the power and like to grenade the differential pin (a $1200 Qualife torque-biasing differential with a lifetime race warranty is what most opt for in the manual SHOs). I found a really nice '93 owned by a Ford Master Tech (it had recently had the engine and transmission rebuilt and dyno'd slightly higher then the stock 220HP at the wheels 100% stock other then a K&N filter) and driven by his wife (license plate said SHOGIRL). Just a week after I bought the car I hit a deer and put $7500 in damage in the front end. With the help of one of my uncles, who does amazing body work, we fixed it all for around $500 including a matching hood. Then the transmission started slipping. I looked at my rebuild options. The best is a Doug Lewis rebuild which are known to be bullet-proof (the only way to go in a supercharged application when your running more then 400HP) but cost $2600 (install is included but you have to drive to Georgia). Then I came across NetGearHeads.com $1200 for the rebuild with shipping and a shift kit. I sent a spare transmission off to them and that's where things went down hill. Here's the letter I later sent to them after attempt number three:
After that I sent the transmission back once more while I was waiting for them to reply. This time they sent the transmission back in a normal Taurus transmission case. It clearly wouldn't even bolt up. Net Gear Heads refused to refund my money so I went to Visa and they refunded the purchase. This was after letters from the Minnesota State Attorney, Ohio State Attorney, and Better Business Bureaus (note: the BBB is not some magical government agency like some seem to think, they are a private company and simply send a letter to the party saying "this person has a problem, please contact them and resolve it, thanks.") had been sent to them about the issue.
The whole ordeal took 5 months and took most of my sanity during that time. The moral of the story is, the cheapest option isn't always the best. There's a lot of value in being able to drive down to the local shop and kick some ass need be. And stay the heck away from cars with problem transmissions.
Here's the stator shaft the torque snapped off....
The automatic transmission option was added to the SHO in '93 but they sure weren't built to hold the power. Even the manual transmissions didn't hold the power and like to grenade the differential pin (a $1200 Qualife torque-biasing differential with a lifetime race warranty is what most opt for in the manual SHOs). I found a really nice '93 owned by a Ford Master Tech (it had recently had the engine and transmission rebuilt and dyno'd slightly higher then the stock 220HP at the wheels 100% stock other then a K&N filter) and driven by his wife (license plate said SHOGIRL). Just a week after I bought the car I hit a deer and put $7500 in damage in the front end. With the help of one of my uncles, who does amazing body work, we fixed it all for around $500 including a matching hood. Then the transmission started slipping. I looked at my rebuild options. The best is a Doug Lewis rebuild which are known to be bullet-proof (the only way to go in a supercharged application when your running more then 400HP) but cost $2600 (install is included but you have to drive to Georgia). Then I came across NetGearHeads.com $1200 for the rebuild with shipping and a shift kit. I sent a spare transmission off to them and that's where things went down hill. Here's the letter I later sent to them after attempt number three:
September 8, 2003
Corey Turner
Net Gear Head, LTD By Facsimile Transmission Only?7451 Rt. 20A FAX No. 413-xxx-xxxx?Maumee, OH 43537 4 pages, including cover sheet
RE: AXOD-E Transmission of 1993 Ford Taurus SHO
Dear Mr. Turner;
As I indicated to you in our brief telephone conversation, I have had substantial difficulties with the transmission that Net Gear Head sold me. You asked that I put the facts in writing to you. The following is a brief history of the events to date:
On 5/21/03, I shipped my AXOD-E transmission to Net Gear Head for the first time. After cutting the side cover and gears with a torch, Net Gear Head replaced the side cover (with a very rusty old cover that looks like it came from a junk yard) and gear set. More than a month after shipping the transmission to Net Gear Head, it was done and sent back.
The transmission was installed at "Repair Shop Name Removed", of St. Paul, Minnesota, by a certified mechanic. When installed, the transmission made a grinding sound. Net Gear Head believed the torque converter was bad and sent a new unit. When it was installed, the stator shaft snapped because the torque converter that Net Gear Head had sent had 23 teeth, not the 24 that the AXOD-E uses. Net Gear Head (Greg) agreed to pay for the extra costs of having the unit removed and reinstalled, etc.
On 8/4/03, I shipped the transmission back to Net Gear Head for the second rebuild. I also shipped an additional AXOD-E transmission with it, for which I was told I would receive $100 for the core. I still have not received the $100. I also shipped 3 torque converters with it (a rebuilt unit from Net Gear Head, a new unit from Net Gear Head, and the unit from in my car).
10 days later (8/14/03) Net Gear Head shipped the transmission back. As soon as they opened the box, the mechanic at "Repair Shop Name Removed" noticed the stator shaft moved in and out about 1/4" (it should not move AT ALL). "Repair Shop Name Removed" sent it to Trans-Auto, a transmission specialist, to inspect it. After checking the unit, both shops said they would never install the transmission with the stator shaft being able to move like it did.
I then contacted Doug Lewis of Ford Performance Specialists Inc. of Georgia who's been rebuilding AXOD-E transmission since they first appeared in the '93 SHO and is known throughout the SHO community as the best AXOD-E rebuilder around. He also stated that he would never install a transmission with a stator shaft that could move.
Mr. Corey Turner
September 8, 2003
Page Two
Against the recommendations of 3 shops, Net Gear Head insisted the transmission would be fine, that they had done dyno testing on the unit and confirmed its acceptability. I then had it installed again by the mechanics at "Repair Shop Name Removed" on 8/19/03.
I picked the car up on 8/21/03 and drove it less then 30 miles before it started pouring large amounts of transmission fluid out of the front seal area. Net Gear Head (Greg) agreed to pay to have it towed to a local transmission shop, Transmission Shop Inc. (TSI), and pay for any work needed to fix the unit. TSI inspected the transmission and found a cause of the fluid leak. 6 screws that hold the plate around the stator shaft had worked themselves out, along with the seal. TSI said this was most likely caused by Net Gear Head neglecting to use Loctite but could very likely be caused by the movement of the stator shaft. They said they would not recommend just replacing the screws and seal without disassembling it and checking for other damage.
Attached is a summary statement from TSI, detailing its belief that this transmission requires significant additional labor to recondition it for installation in my vehicle. It further specifies their belief as to the cause of the existing problems with the transmission.
I have reviewed the warranty for the transmission as posted on your website (Net Gear Head failed to provide a written warranty with the transmission, as required, and I would request that you provide me with the same.) I have also reviewed this matter with my attorney. At this point, I would demand that Net Gear Head refund the price of the rebuilt transmission and torque converter ($1,250.00.) If you are willing to refund the money, I will ship you the defective transmission and torque converter and you can return to me my other transmission. Also, please send payment of $100.00 for the other transmission I sent to you, as promised.
Pursuant to Sections 1302.66 (UCC 2-608) and 1302.85 (UCC 2-711) of the Ohio State Code, this letter is your notice that I am revoking my acceptance of the transmission as delivered, due to your breach of the implied warranty of fitness for a particular use and the implied warranty of merchantability. Pursuant to law, I am demanding the above-requested refund. Further, if you fail to respond promptly to this demand, I will exercise my right to cover under the law, by purchasing another transmission from a different source, retaining my security interest in the transmission you have sent me, and seeking damages. Accordingly, I am not willing to ship the defective transmission back to Net Gear Head to have it “fixed” again. As an alternative, I am willing to allow Net Gear Head pay TSI to take the transmission apart and rebuild it to fix the moving stator shaft. If Net Gear Head will do this, we will both save substantial shipping costs and likely legal fees.
Mr. Corey Turner
September 8, 2003
Page Three
As I’m sure you can understand, I can no longer afford to pay the costs of transporting and shipping the transmission, nor can I be without a vehicle any longer. I have been without a vehicle for over 2 months now because of the problems with the transmissions. I feel I have been patient and cooperative in attempting to resolve these problems. I am not asking Net Gear Head to pay for the other costs caused by these problems (costs for loaner pickup trucks to bring the transmissions to be shipped and picked up; finding alternative transportation for over 2 months; attorney’s fees, etc.) though these costs have been substantial. Please pay for the labor up to this point (as promised by your representative Greg,) the refund of the rebuild and torque converter, and my $100.00 for the other transmission core.
Please contact me right away so that we can get this issue resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your courtesy and assistance.
Sincerely,
Corey Turner
Net Gear Head, LTD By Facsimile Transmission Only?7451 Rt. 20A FAX No. 413-xxx-xxxx?Maumee, OH 43537 4 pages, including cover sheet
RE: AXOD-E Transmission of 1993 Ford Taurus SHO
Dear Mr. Turner;
As I indicated to you in our brief telephone conversation, I have had substantial difficulties with the transmission that Net Gear Head sold me. You asked that I put the facts in writing to you. The following is a brief history of the events to date:
On 5/21/03, I shipped my AXOD-E transmission to Net Gear Head for the first time. After cutting the side cover and gears with a torch, Net Gear Head replaced the side cover (with a very rusty old cover that looks like it came from a junk yard) and gear set. More than a month after shipping the transmission to Net Gear Head, it was done and sent back.
The transmission was installed at "Repair Shop Name Removed", of St. Paul, Minnesota, by a certified mechanic. When installed, the transmission made a grinding sound. Net Gear Head believed the torque converter was bad and sent a new unit. When it was installed, the stator shaft snapped because the torque converter that Net Gear Head had sent had 23 teeth, not the 24 that the AXOD-E uses. Net Gear Head (Greg) agreed to pay for the extra costs of having the unit removed and reinstalled, etc.
On 8/4/03, I shipped the transmission back to Net Gear Head for the second rebuild. I also shipped an additional AXOD-E transmission with it, for which I was told I would receive $100 for the core. I still have not received the $100. I also shipped 3 torque converters with it (a rebuilt unit from Net Gear Head, a new unit from Net Gear Head, and the unit from in my car).
10 days later (8/14/03) Net Gear Head shipped the transmission back. As soon as they opened the box, the mechanic at "Repair Shop Name Removed" noticed the stator shaft moved in and out about 1/4" (it should not move AT ALL). "Repair Shop Name Removed" sent it to Trans-Auto, a transmission specialist, to inspect it. After checking the unit, both shops said they would never install the transmission with the stator shaft being able to move like it did.
I then contacted Doug Lewis of Ford Performance Specialists Inc. of Georgia who's been rebuilding AXOD-E transmission since they first appeared in the '93 SHO and is known throughout the SHO community as the best AXOD-E rebuilder around. He also stated that he would never install a transmission with a stator shaft that could move.
Mr. Corey Turner
September 8, 2003
Page Two
Against the recommendations of 3 shops, Net Gear Head insisted the transmission would be fine, that they had done dyno testing on the unit and confirmed its acceptability. I then had it installed again by the mechanics at "Repair Shop Name Removed" on 8/19/03.
I picked the car up on 8/21/03 and drove it less then 30 miles before it started pouring large amounts of transmission fluid out of the front seal area. Net Gear Head (Greg) agreed to pay to have it towed to a local transmission shop, Transmission Shop Inc. (TSI), and pay for any work needed to fix the unit. TSI inspected the transmission and found a cause of the fluid leak. 6 screws that hold the plate around the stator shaft had worked themselves out, along with the seal. TSI said this was most likely caused by Net Gear Head neglecting to use Loctite but could very likely be caused by the movement of the stator shaft. They said they would not recommend just replacing the screws and seal without disassembling it and checking for other damage.
Attached is a summary statement from TSI, detailing its belief that this transmission requires significant additional labor to recondition it for installation in my vehicle. It further specifies their belief as to the cause of the existing problems with the transmission.
I have reviewed the warranty for the transmission as posted on your website (Net Gear Head failed to provide a written warranty with the transmission, as required, and I would request that you provide me with the same.) I have also reviewed this matter with my attorney. At this point, I would demand that Net Gear Head refund the price of the rebuilt transmission and torque converter ($1,250.00.) If you are willing to refund the money, I will ship you the defective transmission and torque converter and you can return to me my other transmission. Also, please send payment of $100.00 for the other transmission I sent to you, as promised.
Pursuant to Sections 1302.66 (UCC 2-608) and 1302.85 (UCC 2-711) of the Ohio State Code, this letter is your notice that I am revoking my acceptance of the transmission as delivered, due to your breach of the implied warranty of fitness for a particular use and the implied warranty of merchantability. Pursuant to law, I am demanding the above-requested refund. Further, if you fail to respond promptly to this demand, I will exercise my right to cover under the law, by purchasing another transmission from a different source, retaining my security interest in the transmission you have sent me, and seeking damages. Accordingly, I am not willing to ship the defective transmission back to Net Gear Head to have it “fixed” again. As an alternative, I am willing to allow Net Gear Head pay TSI to take the transmission apart and rebuild it to fix the moving stator shaft. If Net Gear Head will do this, we will both save substantial shipping costs and likely legal fees.
Mr. Corey Turner
September 8, 2003
Page Three
As I’m sure you can understand, I can no longer afford to pay the costs of transporting and shipping the transmission, nor can I be without a vehicle any longer. I have been without a vehicle for over 2 months now because of the problems with the transmissions. I feel I have been patient and cooperative in attempting to resolve these problems. I am not asking Net Gear Head to pay for the other costs caused by these problems (costs for loaner pickup trucks to bring the transmissions to be shipped and picked up; finding alternative transportation for over 2 months; attorney’s fees, etc.) though these costs have been substantial. Please pay for the labor up to this point (as promised by your representative Greg,) the refund of the rebuild and torque converter, and my $100.00 for the other transmission core.
Please contact me right away so that we can get this issue resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your courtesy and assistance.
Sincerely,
The whole ordeal took 5 months and took most of my sanity during that time. The moral of the story is, the cheapest option isn't always the best. There's a lot of value in being able to drive down to the local shop and kick some ass need be. And stay the heck away from cars with problem transmissions.
Here's the stator shaft the torque snapped off....
Last edited by TheWeez; Feb 23, 2007 at 01:02 PM.
AXOD-E
Same tranny in those year Lincoln Continentals also. I had 1 of those & the tranny died on me 250 miles from home. I had to rent a uhaul, with a car trailer & tow it home.
But for the CL, if you can find a 6MT 03 CLS then you'll have 1 nice reliable car.
Same tranny in those year Lincoln Continentals also. I had 1 of those & the tranny died on me 250 miles from home. I had to rent a uhaul, with a car trailer & tow it home.
But for the CL, if you can find a 6MT 03 CLS then you'll have 1 nice reliable car.
Thread Starter
I Wanna Beer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 109
From: Minneapolis, MN
Net Gear Heads went out of business just after I got my money back from them (I hope it was that $1200 that put them under too).
Yeah the transmission in the SHO is exclusive to the SHO making it a pain to get it serviced. It got to the point where my dad's cousin's shop groaned every time I called them with an issue. After the rebuild by a local shop and a shift-kit was installed (increasing lubrication over 150%) it was like a whole new car. Fast firm shifts and it'd break the tires loose on the 1-2 and 2-3 shift without a problem. I crashed it a bit over a year later. I still miss that car. There is no car on earth that has such a sweet sounding engine. The sound of the 2nd intake runners opening at 4500RPMs is the best.
I got the '03 CLS 6-speed now and I'm lovin' it. Gonna park it for the weekend with this big snow storm coming in and drive the Bonneville SSE (307k miles and going).
Yeah the transmission in the SHO is exclusive to the SHO making it a pain to get it serviced. It got to the point where my dad's cousin's shop groaned every time I called them with an issue. After the rebuild by a local shop and a shift-kit was installed (increasing lubrication over 150%) it was like a whole new car. Fast firm shifts and it'd break the tires loose on the 1-2 and 2-3 shift without a problem. I crashed it a bit over a year later. I still miss that car. There is no car on earth that has such a sweet sounding engine. The sound of the 2nd intake runners opening at 4500RPMs is the best.
I got the '03 CLS 6-speed now and I'm lovin' it. Gonna park it for the weekend with this big snow storm coming in and drive the Bonneville SSE (307k miles and going).
'Big Daddy Diggler'
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 11,016
Likes: 4
From: Yonkers NY
Originally Posted by TheWeez
Net Gear Heads went out of business just after I got my money back from them (I hope it was that $1200 that put them under too).
Yeah the transmission in the SHO is exclusive to the SHO making it a pain to get it serviced. It got to the point where my dad's cousin's shop groaned every time I called them with an issue. After the rebuild by a local shop and a shift-kit was installed (increasing lubrication over 150%) it was like a whole new car. Fast firm shifts and it'd break the tires loose on the 1-2 and 2-3 shift without a problem. I crashed it a bit over a year later. I still miss that car. There is no car on earth that has such a sweet sounding engine. The sound of the 2nd intake runners opening at 4500RPMs is the best.
I got the '03 CLS 6-speed now and I'm lovin' it. Gonna park it for the weekend with this big snow storm coming in and drive the Bonneville SSE (307k miles and going).
Yeah the transmission in the SHO is exclusive to the SHO making it a pain to get it serviced. It got to the point where my dad's cousin's shop groaned every time I called them with an issue. After the rebuild by a local shop and a shift-kit was installed (increasing lubrication over 150%) it was like a whole new car. Fast firm shifts and it'd break the tires loose on the 1-2 and 2-3 shift without a problem. I crashed it a bit over a year later. I still miss that car. There is no car on earth that has such a sweet sounding engine. The sound of the 2nd intake runners opening at 4500RPMs is the best.
I got the '03 CLS 6-speed now and I'm lovin' it. Gonna park it for the weekend with this big snow storm coming in and drive the Bonneville SSE (307k miles and going).
That was uncalled for...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,288
Likes: 43
From: Toronto, Ontario
ATX SHO = Run and hide, or just do the MTX swap...
Got any pics of your SHO?, I'd like to see em'...
It's even more intense with a 80mm MAF and cone filter 
I'm assuming you were part of the SHOForum, the administrator there (Bizzy) Reinforces ATX and MTX transmission for a good price. That would have been a good solution for you at the time.
Got any pics of your SHO?, I'd like to see em'...
Originally Posted by TheWeez
There is no car on earth that has such a sweet sounding engine. The sound of the 2nd intake runners opening at 4500RPMs is the best.
It's even more intense with a 80mm MAF and cone filter I'm assuming you were part of the SHOForum, the administrator there (Bizzy) Reinforces ATX and MTX transmission for a good price. That would have been a good solution for you at the time.
Thread Starter
I Wanna Beer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 109
From: Minneapolis, MN
Yeah the Bonneville still has the original tranny and motor mounts (2nd engine with around 200k on it). You should feel those motor mounts when you put it in reverse.
Yeah I was a SHOForum member. I know Bizzy did Qualife installs and MTX rebuilds but didn't realize she did ATX stuff too. I should have just gone with the local place in the first place. They ended up charging me the same price for the work and it included install. I think I remember you. You were/are a moderator at the SHOFourm?
Yeah I was a SHOForum member. I know Bizzy did Qualife installs and MTX rebuilds but didn't realize she did ATX stuff too. I should have just gone with the local place in the first place. They ended up charging me the same price for the work and it included install. I think I remember you. You were/are a moderator at the SHOFourm?
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Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,218
Likes: 15
From: Swansea, MA
I started getting some "studdering" in the aod tranny in my 94 Tbird, at around 120K miles, so I started looking at a replace got the tbird. I was thinking about going with a MT car, and after I saw a forum dedicated to the auto trannys on the CL's, that sealed the deal on my getting a CLS 6spd. If Acura hadn't offer a 6spd version of the CL, I'd probably be driving a 330, G35c or an 03 Accord EX V6 6mt...
That was uncalled for...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,288
Likes: 43
From: Toronto, Ontario
Originally Posted by TheWeez
I think I remember you. You were/are a moderator at the SHOFourm?
Here's the beast: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/940501
I believe Bizzy is doing ATX rebuilds/refreshes now... I could be wrong though.
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