Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Repost, Update: 98 SE ATX

Hey guys,
Just though I'd post an update...
I was having some real problems with my 98 Tour SE / ATX.
When taking it on the highway it would often overheat, spray fluid all over the block, and I'd get this "bang-shift" effect where it was shifting so hard it'd give me a sore neck.
After many much appreciated suggestions and thoughts on what could be the issue, such as sensors or the torque converter... I decided to go the easiest route and start from the bottom and work my way up. The very first thing i did was get it flushed and topped back up. Anyways, long story short, the shop who rebuilt my tranny last year put WAY too much fluid in, and the only reason i was having problems is because of that. My previous estimate on repairs was between $500-1200 for another possible rebuild... the actual cost to repair it was more like $50.

Ask the shop if they rebuilt valve body or used a updated Sonnax. I'd make the shop pull and fix what they may have not done right. For those shops without a test jig, many out there the CD4E is gets pulled several times before it's finally works without scanner issues.

According notes from Transtar per my friends shop.

Paul

You've reminded me I've got to get with it and replace my valve body.
98 Mistake LS only 60K. See If I might luck-out and never have to pull it, since it's had Mobil 1 ATF 90% of it's life???

I've spoken with the shop and they refuse to touch the car again, claiming expired warranty... the fact is, they know they botched the job in a serious way, and want nothing more to do with my poor car. I'm just glad that everything is back to normal. After a 2 hour trip to see my girlfriend, it was smooth as glass and not so much as a hiccup when shifting.
I also threw some Lucas additive in there when I topped it back up, so that probably helps too.