Comments on: Has anyone experienced this problem with their Falcon Transmission?

By: Eddie

Eddie — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:44:35 +0000

John, I also hve this problem but with a 96 falcon futura.

Also when this occurs for me is that there isn’t a complete loss of drive. I feel the problem lays with my car is in the electronics.

Eddie

By: craig

craig — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:57:15 +0000

John,
Unfortunately it was game over for that particular transmission, requiring a complete overhaul. The reason given was that the fluid had turned to sludge and the clutch facings had disintegrated. Basically it came down to lack of servicing and I believe that many mechanics and vehicle owners alike are not educated in the importance of servicing late model transmissions every 20,000km.
I think because it was a ‘mechanical’ problem that the PCM couldn’t detect (clutch lining deteriation, sludgy fluid) limp home mode wasn’t activated not that I think it would have helped - the damage was already done. Please tell me if you think otherwise!
I feel this highlights the need for all transmissions to be fitted with a dipstick. Either the owner or the mechanic servicing the vehicle would probably have picked up on the poor condition of the fluid before it was too late.

Craig

By: jrhook

jrhook — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:06:11 +0000

HI Craig, probably a bit late to post now. I too am not an expert on the Borgwarner LE95 auto in these falcons. I have heard of the trans going into third (limp mode ) and Ignition off can reset this. What I find strange with this symptom is that when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module)goes to limp mode it reverts to a hydraulic transmission,hence drive. Inside the trans their is a mechanically operated spool as well as all the electric solenoids. This complaint however had no drive, which as you rightly suggest is a fluid or pump problem causing low pressure and no clutch or band application.
I would be interested to hear what the final outcome was.
Cheers,
John

By: craig

craig — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:34:21 +0000

Hi Craig
I had to totally rebuilt transmission.
Apparently clutches had disintegrated and transm fluid turned to sludge, although level was correct.
Limb Home safety feature never kicked in, and never had any warning symptoms prior to catastrophic failure.
This wouldn’t had happened if there was a dipstick there to at least periodically check condition of fluid.
These transmissions are badly designed and have to be serviced (fluid flushed out) every 20k Km’s or so.
My previous Toyota 4 Runner I had done 350k KM and Auto transmission had never been touched or ever needed to be topped up. Fluid was still clean and bright red the day I sold it.
So, a warning to every one out there: While at hoist, get mechanic to check condition of fluid at every service and replace fluid every year. Then you might get a longer than 140K KM life out of it.(!
Thanks for your help.
Regards Zachary.