Suspecting a transmission problem - hopefully not a sign of car's impending death!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
Suspecting a transmission problem - hopefully not a sign of car's impending death!
The C32 has been pretty expensive of late. 118k miles. A repair file 5 times thicker than the Honda Pilot at 160k miles!
Tonight's problem:
The transmission would not go into manual mode. Felt like it was stuck in third.
Then, later, it completely lost power while going up a hill at 25 mph. I could rev the engine but it wouldn't engage the wheels. Then same thing while doing 65 on the highway. Thankfully nobody behind me in either case as I rolled backwards / slowed way down on the highway.
Finally, heading toward home on surface streets, it lunged and stuttered to get moving, like it was having trouble finding first gear.
Needless to say, no more driving until it gets a check up.
The car just had a full transmission service. Is it possible they screwed something up during this service, e.g., forgot to actually refill with tranny fluid?!
Tonight's problem:
The transmission would not go into manual mode. Felt like it was stuck in third.
Then, later, it completely lost power while going up a hill at 25 mph. I could rev the engine but it wouldn't engage the wheels. Then same thing while doing 65 on the highway. Thankfully nobody behind me in either case as I rolled backwards / slowed way down on the highway.
Finally, heading toward home on surface streets, it lunged and stuttered to get moving, like it was having trouble finding first gear.
Needless to say, no more driving until it gets a check up.
The car just had a full transmission service. Is it possible they screwed something up during this service, e.g., forgot to actually refill with tranny fluid?!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 601
Likes: 4
From: I liva at da land down under
Porsche 2004 911
Try under the carpet of the passenger foot well as there is the TCU: pull it up and check if tranny fuild has run up the wires to the TCU also check the Oring where the conductor plate is - as it leaks. Even if its new (oring) it could be faulty. Or the conductor plate could be going south?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
Try under the carpet of the passenger foot well as there is the TCU: pull it up and check if tranny fuild has run up the wires to the TCU also check the Oring where the conductor plate is - as it leaks. Even if its new (oring) it could be faulty. Or the conductor plate could be going south?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 601
Likes: 4
From: I liva at da land down under
Porsche 2004 911
I had fluid on the TCU wires and replaced the conductor plate and oring however still had slip shift and stuck in gear issues, bought a new shifter from the US (of course it was the wrong one as designed for US version),bought one here (secondhand)for double the US price and tranny is perfect. If it turns out to be the shifter I have a new one that is simply a glorified ornament in my inndys workshop, pm me if you end up needing it etc.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
Thanks fellas for all the suggestions. This car has been babied. No liquid spills on the tranny, no drag racing, no track time. It hasn't been enough to avoid a long litany of problems, many similar to what others have experienced with their C32s.
She's back in the shop (where she practically lives these days). I will report back with the diagnosis and fix for your information and entertainment.
But, alas, perhaps this is the permanent fix I need to consider. I always liked this body style and the Type S performance characteristics are supposedly not a big step down from C32. Need to test drive through and see how weird the powerful engine/front wheel drive combo feels...
She's back in the shop (where she practically lives these days). I will report back with the diagnosis and fix for your information and entertainment.
But, alas, perhaps this is the permanent fix I need to consider. I always liked this body style and the Type S performance characteristics are supposedly not a big step down from C32. Need to test drive through and see how weird the powerful engine/front wheel drive combo feels...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
So, here is the scoop:
Diagnosis: "Software problem."
Fix: "We reset the transmission, including adaptive mapping, and the problem was fixed."
Charge: $0
My reaction: ???? Doesn't make any sense to me. More proof that these cars, the mechanics who work on them and those of us who put up with all the problems are all cuckoo for cocoa puffs!
Diagnosis: "Software problem."
Fix: "We reset the transmission, including adaptive mapping, and the problem was fixed."
Charge: $0
My reaction: ???? Doesn't make any sense to me. More proof that these cars, the mechanics who work on them and those of us who put up with all the problems are all cuckoo for cocoa puffs!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Hey GG,
Pleased to hear of a $0 repair. Finally, huh? crazy...
*off topic*
I was thinking about you the other day while watching women’s tennis.
Not sure the connection but my mind remains mysterious despite receiving professional help.
And splinter Jr. earned a spot on his college’s tennis team!
Pleased to hear of a $0 repair. Finally, huh? crazy...
*off topic*
I was thinking about you the other day while watching women’s tennis.
Not sure the connection but my mind remains mysterious despite receiving professional help.
And splinter Jr. earned a spot on his college’s tennis team!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
Wait, your boy is a tennis player? That's really fantastic. For some reason I thought you had a lacrosse star on your hands there. Not easy to make a college team these days, so kudos Dad! I would come down there for a hit and beer if my transportation was more reliable!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
^ You, too, have refined your technique…excellent work my good man!
Of course you’ve an open invitation for refreshing beverages and a relaxing BBQ on the patio whenever you’re next in Newport Beach.
PM your Facebook info so I can stalk you there as well. :D ¡Hasta luego!
Of course you’ve an open invitation for refreshing beverages and a relaxing BBQ on the patio whenever you’re next in Newport Beach.
PM your Facebook info so I can stalk you there as well. :D ¡Hasta luego!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
'03 C32
Whether any "permanent" damage was done is an open question. Not sure how relevant that question is since there are so many other quirks in these cars that can kill them at any point in time!
