CTT transmission problem

[Jholzherr]

Afternoon gents

 

long time lurker, have been using this great forum for a long time now it’s helped me fix all sorts of issues over the years although I’ve onky just registered as it’s the first time I’ve needed to ask a question that isn’t already documented.

 

Im having an issue I’m really hoping someone might be able to guide me on..

 

im a confident DIYer and having done everything from coolant Ts to valve cover gaskets but never anything too complex. 

 

I changed gearbox fluid 30k miles ago with no issues, (correct filling procedure 40 deg etc) then last week I noticed a very small leak from the gearbox line that runs to the cooler at the front, the metal pipe had been rubbing on the rad as it looks like the bolt holding the brakes had come lose.. 

 

anyway i ordered new pipes but as they were on back order I decided to plug the leak whilst I wait, so used some special leak tape as it was so tiny the hole.. I then decided to try to top up gearbox but couldn’t get any more in, when I opened fill Hole it came gushing out so warmed it to 35 deg and checked and again at 39/40 deg I checked and it’s still gushing out (I also run through the gears too to try to suck it through) I guessed I had maybe overfilled it slightly last time.. 

 

so today is my first Drive and I’ve now 50 miles from home, I stopped and the car wouldn’t pull away again and fluid has poured out the bottle front of the car.. all the PRND lights are on and I think I’ve lost about a litre of oil, car won’t move, recovery on way.. 

 

i guess im just looking for some advice, I think I know you’ll tell me it’s a gearbox failure because of low fluid but I just wanted to get some help with what to look for next (once I get the car home obviously) 

 

ill pull the codes later and report back.. 

 

thank you, sorry for the bloody essay, just so worried it’s going to be something I can’t fix myself.. 

[Brainz006]

I'm having a little trouble following the exact situation, but it sounds like you are low on fluid by at least a quart. You'll lose drive in the trans if there's not enough fluid, so getting the level right is step one.

Do a drain and refill and tell us how many quarts/litres you take out and put in. That alone may fix the problem.

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[bigbuzuki]

Step 1. Repair the source of the leak.

Step 2. Fill transmission to the correct fluid level.

Step 3. Confirm no further fluid leaks evident post repairs.

Step 4. Hope that the low fluid level condition has not damaged your transmission.

Edited August 24, 2018 by bigbuzuki

[Jholzherr]

Thank you so much for the responses.. 

 

i was so so stressed out yesterday I feel my original post was a little erratic haha..

 

thinking over the situation I think what’s happened is a pipe or something has burst, causing me to lose fluid.. the car will drive now (only moved it about 1 ft just to check) so drive is back but all the PRND lights are on on the dash..

 

anyway since yesterday I’ve pulled the codes, (p0011, p0700 and 17105) removed the undertray and I’ve jetwashed everything and left overnight to dry.. 

 

today i will now try to find the leak fix it and refill and go from there..

 

there was was no loud bang or anything like that just lost drive so I’m hoping it’s just oil pressure...

 

thanks again for your help

[Jholzherr]

Little update.. have refilled gearbox cleared codes and all seems well.. I can’t seem to find the leak yet, currently have it running on the drive waiting for the leak to start so I can fix it.. luckily it looks like it’s just a case of a leak, causing low oil pressure.. pleased I didn’t mess with it just switched straight off and got toed home.. could have been much worse.. my guess is the leak is from the cooler line..

[bigbuzuki]

The transmission front seal is a common source for transmission fluid leaks. The seal can be damaged if leaking coolant fluid gets to the seal.

 

Did you repair the transmission fluid leak from the chaffed pipe that you mention in your original post?

Edited August 24, 2018 by bigbuzuki

[Jholzherr]

I’m pretty sure it’s the metal coolant pipe, I’ve ordered and replacement as I had only done a temporary fix with some metal putty, the hole was so tiny I didn’t think it would be an issue. 

 

Strangely I’ve now filled the transmission with fluid and all seems well, I let the car run for 30 min, the gearbox temp got to 70 deg and I can only see a very small weep from the metal coolant pipe, not even a drip so I’m surprised how that has emptied the gearbox so quickly.. 

 

it it started raining so I’ll carry on tomorrow and try to get the temp up but it’s looking like the metal cooler pipes hopefully 

[Brainz006]

Other than the valve bodies and the front seal, these transmissions seem pretty robust. Usually a fluid refresh (with correct leve), new VB, and/or [worst case] front seal replacement will get them shifting well again. There are surprising few reports of the transmissions dying and requiring a full rebuild. Hope you got it sorted.


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[Jholzherr]

Hi Brian

 

That's good to hear.  

 

I've permanently fixed the leak on the cooler lines now and the car seems to driver OKish, i've noticed between 3-4 gear is can sometimes almost feel like the clutch is slipping, then it engages gear.  I've read that a lot of people use Lube Gard Red which is a friction modifier with great success so as it's only doing this once in a while I might try adding a bottle to see if it makes any difference.

 

To me it seems like the torque converter issue but from reading the forums I get the feeling it could well be the VB, I'm just hoping running it on low fluid hasn't done any more serious damage.