4l30 problems

[vafiatx19]

I apologize for this I am not a VX owner. I have a 2000 Honda Passport 3.2 2 wheel drive. Ok, don�t bash me too much but the thing (Passport) is just a Isuzu Rodeo with a Honda emblem on the grill and the VX and other Isuzu have same tranny and are similar and such. Anyway have been lurking on site for answers and this is a very helpful and useful site and would like to thank you very much. Here is the problem.. 4l30e trans..No shift indicator lights. No tran. Warning lights. No power/winter lights but it does work in P/W. Shifts like crap. Stalls engine in reverse when cold but works fine when warmed up and shifts great when warm after about 20 miles and a couple of stops shutting motor on and off. This is what has been done.. New range mode switch. Fluid filter change ( that�s when reverse when cold started, didn�t do that before) checked fuses and wiring over and over. Also new (used)ECM with no change to problem. Was told ATF could be reverse problem I used valvoline high mileage ATF and was told it was more DEX VI than DEXIII and this trans don�t like DEXVI. Has anyone had any similar issues??? I know if it needs a tran rebuild there is no miracle in a can, but I want to be sure it is toast before I replace it and not something electrical. Also no debris in pan when I done a fluid filter change. I am going to do a fluid drain and refill as soon as time permits. Thank again an this is one of the most informative sites I�ve found.

[Mile High VX]

Can't help with your issue, but I'm guessing by your handle that you have a Fiat X 1/9...

I had one in high school and it was a blast. Hope yours is in great shape. You just don't see those anymore.

Good luck with the problem.

[SlowPro48]

The problem with a lot of those high mileage products is that their "seal conditioners" also soften the gaskets. I imagine if your gaskets get all puffy and de-laminated it messes up the voodoo of an automatic transmission. Just look at all the little channels and orifices and check valves in a valve body and you'll see how critical flow and pressure balance are for proper AT functionality. Not saying this is your problem - automatic transmissions are a mystery to me - but you did say one of the symptoms cropped up after the change to high mileage ATF.

One thing I will say though is that if the problems go away after the transmission warms up, they're probably not electrical in nature.

[Solitude]

I am sure more knowledgeable people will chime in.. but the is a specific procedure to replace the fluid in a 4L30.. do a search on that procedure here.. that info might help

[vafiatx19]

I would not believe it if I hadn�t done it myself! Drained and refiled fluid with generic Advance Auto DEXIII/MERC refilled shifted through gears NO MORE LOCK UP IN REVERSE!!! Finished filling and everything�s good. Still a little harsh shifting but will try a couple more drain and fills and see what happens. Thanks all I will keep you updated. Oh yes Mile High VX I do have a Fiat X1/9. Doing a total restore at the time, I�ve had a few.

[vafiatx19]

Do not use the high mileage Valvoline ATF in these Transmissions. They do not like it!! I found out others have had problems too.

[nfpgasmask]

You will probably get some good info over on PlanetIsuzoo.com. Also, If I were you, I would change the tranny filter also.

Bart

[Mile High VX]

Oh yes Mile High VX I do have a Fiat X1/9. Doing a total restore at the time, I�ve had a few.

SWEEEEET!

Photos when you're done...