1995 T5R In and out of reverse gear, bucking, flashing arrow

[WhiteX]

Hello MVS!

First post here.

Last year I purchased a 1995 black T5R for cheap as a project. It drove decently except for a lot of oil smoke from the exhaust. From some reading I've learned it was likely the PCV system and thus easily curable.

The car sat for a year ( ) until I could get around to fixing it. I ended up replacing the entire PCV system along with a lot of replacing of vacuum lines and a degreasing of the turbo impeller.

So I've finally got around to driving it and all has been well except today I got the dreaded flashing arrow and my reverse gear starting engaging/disengaging while in reverse. It engages if a little bit of throttle is given and it will engage/disengage violently until ultimately engaging.Prior to this there has been no other issues transmission wise.

I also noticed a potentially slight bit of a surge when putting the car into drive. It may have been there before and I didn't notice. But reverse has always worked well.

So what's my plan of attack? I'm nearly certain the transmission is not broken.

The fluid level was down approx 1 qt so I topped it off with Dex IV (Dex III compatible allegedly) but that didn't help the issue.

Thanks!

[WhiteX]

Also, I just went out and started the car and noted that the reverse works and the flashing arrow went away. The car is now completely cool so I feel like it may have something to do with bad trans fluid that get worse upon warming up.

I will do a drain and fill and see what happens.

[northernlights]

I advise a complete fluid change. Automatics can be extremely sensitive to fluids, and sometimes a good fluid change will correct a surprising amount of misbehaving.

These transmissions (AW50-42's) were designed when Dexron IID was in service, and contrary to GM's claims, Dexron III is not quite the same. I use Castrol Transmax Import Multivehicle because it has the highest published hot viscosity (8 cSt, or 6.9 cP, at 100 C) that I have found for any readily available automatic transmission fluid that is Dexron compatible. Old (and loose!) equipment seems to be happier with higher viscosity. It also is claimed to meet Volvo and Aisin-Warner's specs.

Here's the write-up from the service book. It takes a little time, but it works.

J. Oil, change

Important! Only ATF oil which meets the demands for both Dexron II E and Ford Mercon may be used. Make sure that you do not get any on your skin.

The oil should be changed only in the instanes:

A When the on-board diagnostic system (OBD system) has recoreded that oil temperature is too high (DTC 2-3-5).
B When the oil smells burnt, is discolored and no DTC is set. Forexample due to hard and continuous operation of the transmisssion.
C For cars in continuous taxi service and cars used to tow trailers for extended mileage, oil should be changed at 75,000 km (37,500 miles) service intervals.



Warning! The oil may be very hot if the car has just been driven. Avoid contact with your skin.

J1

Remove protective cover under engine
Remove drain plug and drain oil from the transmission.

J2

Reinstall oil plug with a new seal.

Torque nut to 40 Nm (18 ft. lbs)
Reinstall splash guard.

Remove:

Battery
Battery tray
J3

Detach return hose on the control system cover.




Insert a plug into the connection on the cover. Install a transparent plastic hose on the oil return hose connection.
Place a container benearth the hose to catch the oil.
Temporarily replace battery tray and battery.

J4

Set the parking brake and set the gear shift selector to position R Add approximately 2 liters (2.1 US qts.) of oil.

Start the engine and allow it to idle.
Turn the engine off when air bubbles start to become visible in the hose.
Add approximately 2 liters (2.1 US qts) of oil.
Start the engine again and allow it to idle.
Turn the engine off when air bubbles start to become visible in the hose.
Remove battery and battery tray. Remove hose from connection.

Refit oil return hose to transmission cover, replace battery tray and battery.

J5

Add approximately 2 liters (2.1 US qts) of oil

Apply parking brake
Start engine and let it idle, move the gear selector through all positions, stopping in each position for 4-5 seconds.

J6

Move the gear selector to position P with the engine running.

Wait 2 minutes, then check oil level
Top up if necessary. The transmission holds 7.6 +/- O.25 liters (8 US qts) (MAX, MIN).
Turn off engine

J7

Clear DTC's.

See On-board Diagnostic System section, Diagnostic Test Mode 1. See: Testing and Inspection

[jblackburn]

I agree - do a complete fluid change on this one.

[WhiteX]

Hey rock on thanks for the thorough reply!

I will keep everyone updated.

[mercuric]

I use Castrol Transmax Import Multivehicle because it has the highest published hot viscosity (8 cSt, or 6.9 cP, at 100 C) that I have found for any readily available automatic transmission fluid that is Dexron compatible. Old (and loose!) equipment seems to be happier with higher viscosity. It also is claimed to meet Volvo and Aisin-Warner's specs.

Nice, thanks for that. I didn't realize Castrol made different variants of Transmax, I've been using the DEX/MERC variety but after visiting Castrol's page, I see the import variant does have a higher viscosity and specs that appear to add up to better high-temp characteristics, always a plus here in Texas! Hopefully one of the local shops has it

Cheers