Astro, yes there are plenty of unknowns here and I have no idea what the cause of the problem is. Sounds like you have some experience with these transmission and could help me out here.
I am looking for help in diagnosing the problem in a methodical way. If all else fails, then yes, I may be looking at a full rebuild or replacement. But we're not there yet.
I certainly have not been 'slamming' into gear since buying the car; I didn't even notice a significant issue until the fluid change! And I know to let off the throttle when the problem occurs to avoid most of the 'clunk' when the gear re-engages; it mostly feels like a firm positive shift and is likely comparable to typical wear. If it actually is slipping, then that may not be the case...
Oddly enough, the disengaging doesn't seem to occur on my commute home, even if I try to hang out it the revs where the problem typically occurs. Commute home is more uphill, commute to work is more downhill, only thing I can think of that might have something to do with it.
I did reset the fluid counter and adaptation in VIDA tonight. Also found the 'Activation Gear Indication' which uses the warning (triangle) light to signal lockup status. Went on a short drive and noticed nothing unusual; no light for 1-3 gears, brief flashing (slipping lockup) when shifting into 4/5 then constant (locked lockup) signal after shift was complete. Will activate for the commute in the morning to see if issue coincides with lock-up slipping.
Also noticed the 'TEST Mode' that can be activated to lower the threshold needed to detect and store a code, which might come in handy.
Checked my fluid level again, looked good (maybe a touch high) for 105 C (I think... should I be looking at 'TCM-Oil Temperature' or 'TCM-Engine Coolant Temperature'?), pic of dipstick included along with color of the drained fluid.
Here's my methodology thus far:
1. Verify ATF level is correct
2. Reset Fluid counter and Adaptation
3. Activate lock-up detection mode to determine if lock-up is slipping
4. Add Seafoam Trans Tune to fluid, drive for a couple hundred miles, Drain & Fill/Flush ATF, reset fluid counter/adaptation, perform new adaptation.
5. ?? Determine if problem could be solved with solenoid/valve body repair.
6. Profit (or fork over a few grand for rebuilt transmission)
Here are the codes VIDA pulled, though I've no idea how recent they are:
ECM-120D Air Mass- signal too low
ECM-121B Mass air flow (MAF) sensor- Flow too low
ECM-212D Long-term fuel trim - signal too low
ECM-216D Long-term fuel trim - signal too low
ECM-21ED Long-term fuel trim - signal too low
ECM-280C Fuel pressure sensor - signal too high
ECM-2900 Fuel pressure- Faulty signal
These seemed to go away after updating, will see if they show up again. Doubtful that these are at all related to transmission issues. Possible that MAF codes weren't cleared when new sensor was installed.
I appreciate the input from you guys, keep it up! Looks like I'll be reading up on Sonnax material for the foreseeable future...
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