Auto tranny not working

[Lsixer]

Well, I changed my auto tranny filter and fluid and have a small problem.

I just re-filled the the tranny fluid, turned on the car and let it run a bit. I then shifted through the gears per the bentley, and then found myself going nowhere.

Not only that, but, I tried (softly) accelerating through my forward and reverse and the car wouldnt move.

On top of that, after a few attempts, not pushing it mind you, I turned the car off and pulled the hood up and found something was smoking. I assume it was associated with the tranny.

I am stuck. Any clues? :help

[jmenacker]

How many quarts of ATF were used in refill? Hopefully, the non-op condition is merely low fluid level. Its been a couple years since I changed fluid in a ZF 4Hp but I seem to recall using five or six quarts.

ATF will smoke a lot if any dripped on the block while refilling.

Joe M in WV

[Lsixer]

I started by replacing three quarts, and then took a measurement. After that settled, I added a fourth. Upon checking it, it appeared full. At least full enough to start and test. I can place more in there, but, this morning when I checked it after sitting overnight, it looks full still.

I started it up, and tried reverse, and then forward. It feels as if it wants to go, but, it cannot move (very much). Then when I shut it off, it smells like burning rubber under the hood. I know the gasket is on correct, I was real careful about that. Also, after sitting for twelve hours since last night, there is not a drop of fluid on the floor. I am stumped. And frustrated of course. This beautiful weather is coming and going while the six sits in the garage. :mad

[carsnplanes]

Most auto trannys need to be checked while in park or nuetral while idling. Once the engine runs and the tranny pump spins, it will pull the fluid to where it needs to go. At that point the level will show low but at is the actual running level. Once turned off, the fluid can settle and appear to re fill the dipstick falsely appearing to be full.
Seems you are still low in fluid. Check as mentioned.

[jmenacker]

I'm pretty sure the 4HP22 takes a little more than three litres (about six quarts) of ATF for a fluid drain/refill. There are a few more liters of fluid in the torque converter and cooling lines that don't get drained via gravity through the sump. It takes a few DIY changes to really clean the system out.

As Jody mentioned, ATF is checked with engine running in park or neutral _and_ with a warm transmission. After the tranny is working again, recheck level following a fifteen mile trip. If too much ATF is added, it will just blow out the vent hole during highway driving -- Ask me how I know :embarrasm

Did a new o-ring come with the filter kit for the filter neck?

Joe M in WV

[Lsixer]

Hmmm. Well, I have 5 quarts in there now, I certainly can add more and check while in park/neutral. Thank you for the tip.

No Joe, but I did notice the o-ring when I removed the old one and ordered one seperately. The parts guy said the filter doesnt come with one for some reason. No matter, it was replaced.

I'll add another quart tonight, and test and add more as needed to see if this helps.

Thank you.

[danny2010]

seems you are having the same problem as me. i think im gonna buy a new transmission, im tired of dealing with this 1, it leaks and slips and everything else

[CW6er]

The Bentley says it only takes approx. 3.2 qts (3.0 L) for a drain and refill.

[jmenacker]

3 liters is certainly the listed amount of ATF for a standard 4hp22 drain/refill. Apologies for poor units conversion info above stating 3 liters = 6 quarts. :embarrasm

I am sure that significantly more than a gallon of ATF went back in to the transmission each of the four times I did a drain/refill (three times on an e30 4hp22 and once on an e24 4hp22eh). I always took the car out for a ten mile drive before draining the trans. Perhaps more ATF will drain out when hot than cold?

Joe M in WV

[Lsixer]

Thank you for all the helpful information.

I did finally get the tranny to work, I added two more quarts and it seems to be in good order now.

I wasnt even think about replacing the trans, it doesnt even have 30k on it. The reason I was able to acquire this car is because the original owner wanted to get rid of it because the tranny went south. I bought it and replaced the tranny back around 98k and that was about 8 years ago.

Do they just wear out over time without much use? :dunno

Regardless. Im back on track, and now I have a new problem which I place in another thread following some searching first.

Thank you everyone for your help.

~Adam

[CW6er]

And the fluid level is reading normal on the dip stick with the engine hot, idling, on a level surface?

[Lsixer]

And the fluid level is reading normal on the dip stick with the engine hot, idling, on a level surface?

Its a little too full actually. But somewhere I thought I read that a little over is ok because it will eventually make its way out. I hope that is the case!. :eyecrazy