Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Too late to flush ATX?

Is it ever too late to flush the fluid?
Can a flush cause problems with the seals holding fluid or speeding up a tranny failure?
I have 105k on the v6 and I do have to flashing O/D light that goes away--the plan was to flush 1st to see if that helps then go after sensors & valves.

With 105k and a flashing OD Light, I wouldn't bother changing the fluid if you have never done it before.
With that much mileage, the fluid has lost its lubricating properties YEARS AGO,
and your Seals, Clutches, and Valve Body are probably all worn out.
You can change the fluid, but the tranny will fail within the next few thousand miles.
I would start pricing for a rebuild.

so flushing can cause the tranny to fail earlier in a case like this?

Your tranny is ALREADY failing.

I appreciate the help--of course I was hoping for better news and I will start shopping for a rebuild.
Have a good weekend --hope I make it home!!

I wouldn't condem the transmission yet. At least have it checked out to see whats causing the OD light to flash.

Maybe just try changing the fluid? If that doesn't work, try a flush? If that doesn't work, try a new tranny?

Address the problems in the order of priority.

1) Get the trans code that is flashing the OD light. Could be something simple, unrelated to a dying trans (MLPS comes to mind as a common CD4E failure).

2) You wouldn't be the first person to kill their trans by getting it flushed for the first time this late in its life. Of course, if you don't address the code first, you'll never know if it was why or not. Personally, I wouldn't risk flushing at this point, especially as a first course of action.

Does the O/D light flash a pattern (like the airbag light does during a fault)? By this, I mean 4 flashes, short pause, 5 flashes, long pause, (repeat until insane). That hypothetical example would be a "code 45", which can be looked up in a service manual and let you know what caused it.

Post the code and someone can look it up for you. That will give you a place to start. No sense in guessing if the computer wants to give you a hint.

The flahes seem to be regular no change that I ever noticed
I had it to aamco and they sd it was it was a code 740- another shop sd there is no 740 but a 741.. or vice a versa
one place sd it is either synchros or valves and maybe I should just wait for failure?

Here are the two codes...

P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfuction
P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off

These codes are basically saying that the Torque Converter Clutch Circuit is not working properly.
This is because the Valve Body is probably worn out,
and the Torque Converter Clutch circuit is not
receiving the proper amount of pressure.

At this point it is wise to get it fixed before you get stranded with it.
The Torque Converter on the CD4E is MODULATED, much like applying a clutch on an Manual Transmission.
If the proper amount of pressure cannot be applied,
the clutch will slip and cause MORE heat buildup
in the Torque Converter, and this will accelerate
your transmission's demise.

Shop around for prices now, and get the work done when it is convenient for you,
rather than when your Contour deems it absolutely necessary.

I've been without my Tour for two weeks now, because my CD4E started to slip, with no warning.
It is my second, and it only has 50,000 miles on it.
It was serviced when it had 30,000 miles, and all the problems started then.

Replacement through my dealer is running me $2700 + tax.