Low tranny fluid=flashing check trans light!

[Ascinder]

I think my VX's computer is either retarded or mute or dead, I have never thrown any codes or lights ever. But I was a quart low and could feel my trans slipping and still no light. We even checked for codes with James' scanner on the Mammoth trip and got nothing. It seriously bothers me how many people on the forums have fully functional sensing/reporting systems while mine remains silent. Is there anything that could be disconnected somewhere?

[nfpgasmask]

I think my VX's computer is either retarded or mute or dead, I have never thrown any codes or lights ever. But I was a quart low and could feel my trans slipping and still no light. We even checked for codes with James' scanner on the Mammoth trip and got nothing. It seriously bothers me how many people on the forums have fully functional sensing/reporting systems while mine remains silent. Is there anything that could be disconnected somewhere?

Well, I dunno. When I bought my VX, I had a problem with the trans right away. The symptoms were like the mode switch problem, but without any lights on the dash. HARD VIOLENT gear slamming and slipping. I did a full trans service and voila! Problem gone.

What I really don't get, is that the original owner sold me the VX when it had just under 27,000 miles on it. When I drained the tranny the first time the fluid was BLACK, and smelled like burnt cookies. Then, when we I did my trans with Clint last winter, after about 35k more miles, the fluid wasn't so bad. Maybe the synthetic tranny fluid is in fact that good?!!?

Anyway, what I am saying, is that they don't call dash indicators "idiot lights" for no reason. It seems that until you actually have a catastrophic breakdown, the lights don't come on (sorry Billy).

That's how it was in my Xterra. Not a single light illuminated in the dash until I threw a rod, and oil and smoke started spewing out the bottom of the engine bay, then EVERYTHING thurned on.

Let me know when you want to change your fluid and filter. I'd be glad to help. We need to get a maintenance meet scheduled for you and Clint.

Bart

[Triathlete]

Anyway, what I am saying, is that they don't call dash indicators "idiot lights" for no reason. It seems that until you actually have a catastrophic breakdown, the lights don't come on (sorry Billy).

Thats alright....I've never claimed to be the smartest guy in the world!

[Triathlete]

Quick?????
Is there a gasket on the main pan or just the make-a-gasket type stuff? If the later, what works best?

[nfpgasmask]

Quick?????
Is there a gasket on the main pan or just the make-a-gasket type stuff? If the later, what works best?

Autozone carrys a replacement tranny filter for our VXes. The filter comes with a cork gasket. I have been using these type of gaskets with my VX since my first tranny service with no problem. If you have never done a tranny service, it makes me wonder if the filter is clogged and that is why your indicator is lit.

Go buy the filter today. Should be around $35-$40. Take the gasket out and compress it between 2 heavy books. This will get the folds out and be ready for you by Saturday morning. It will be WAY easier to install without the folds. If you really have never done your trans, you might want to pick up a hard plastic scraper too. When we did Clint's tranny, his original gasket was broasted onto the pan and housing pretty bad. Yours will likely have this issue also, in which case you will spend some time scraping off the old gasket.

Now, I know I have and several others on here have spelled out the whole tranny fluid and filter change procedure in detail. But, I would be more than happy to spell it out again. I've done mine twice now, and I feel really comfortable and confident about doing it now. Just say the word.

Bart

[Triathlete]

Are any brand better than the others for the filter? Here is what checkers has. The fram is available for store pick-up and is hugely discounted.

And don't worry, I knew what you were saying about the "idiot" lights...I rarely take anything TO serious!

[tom4bren]

Billy,

I did a pdf of the ATF change. Lemme know if you need me to send it to you to print a copy to have outside when you do the job.

Tom

[nfpgasmask]

Billy, I am not sure what brand I got. Both times, the filter and gasket came in a thin white box with no markings on it at all. AutoZone just said it is OEM.

Bart

[Diogenes]

Looks like I'm having the same problem.. Just drove cross country about 7 weeks ago and the Check Transmission light started blinking in Iowa after I dropped in a quart of oil. Had a local mechanic check the codes and there was nothing mentioned for the Transmission so he reset them and I drove another 1500 miles with no reoccurence.

But then a couple of weeks ago, the damn light started blinking again.. Reset the computer and it stopped blinking until last weekend. So now I'm starting to get a bit worried.

I've only put 15K on the vehicle since I bought it 3 years ago, and had ALL the fluids replaced 2 summers ago, including tranny and differentials. So I have a hard time believing that I'm running low since I'm not seeing any leaks.

As I recall, it's a major hassle to replace the tranny fluid, let alone replace the filter, but might have to do it.

Diogenes

[nfpgasmask]

As I recall, it's a major hassle to replace the tranny fluid, let alone replace the filter, but might have to do it.

IMO, it is really not that hard to do. That said, it does take the proper know how, and that is why I think you should definitely, at very least, check your trans fluid level using the instructions posted earlier in this thread. Reason being, is that it is very possible that the mech who did your fluid change did not have the aforementioned instructions, and may have not filled your trans with enough fluid. Its very easy to not fill the VX trans properly. Does your VX shift hard/clunk between gears?

Also, imo, simply draining and refilling the trans fluid is not enough. You have to drop the pan and replace the filter. If this has never been done on your VX, it is very possible that your filter is dirty and clogging, and this may cause your check trans light to blink.

Changing the fluid AND filter is a chore, and will take you some time (like a whole Saturday afternoon), but it is really not hard. Its dirty, messy and hot, but not hard. And given the money you will save doing it yourself, it is rather worth it, imo.

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Thats alright....I've never claimed to be the smartest guy in the world!

Billy, sorry about the idiot light comment, I didn't mean it that way, what I meant was, "sorry Billy, your light may be indicating that you have a catastrophic tranny problem", not, "Billy, you are an idiot!"

Bart