Transmission Advice - GM A5S 390R

[stewey]

Got another opinion, this time from BMW. He said if the transmission isn't throwing fault codes (it isn't), the software is up to date (it is) and the fluid level is ok (it is), then there isn't much they can check. He suggested I talk to a transmission shop.

For laughs I asked how much a new tranny is. He said $9000 for a BMW remanufactured unit + 10 hours to install. I will probably get a third opinion, but at this point it looks like my best bet is to wait for the problem to get worse and possibly do a fluid and filter change. Although I shouldn't really expect the fluid change to fix anything, just buy some time or lose some time depending on who you believe.

[admranger]

The California Transmission Supply Company (The CTSC) has parts, fluids, etc. if you want to DIY JCL's recommendations. No affiliation other than a happy customer. Not sure if they ship that far north though...

On edit: corrected linky to The CTSC.

[stewey]

Thanks Admranger, I'll check it out.

[stewey]

Just a quick update to an old thread. Might be helpful to someone. It's been about a year and a half and 10k miles since I started the thread. Somewhere in there I did a fluid and filter change. Not a flush, just the fluid in the pan. I am happy to report that the transmission has been much better. Don't want to jinx myself, but I haven't noticed any slippage in a long time.

To anyone in the same situation (slip on cold start), I would suggest the EGS upgrade and fluid/filter change.

I'll try to post another update if anything changes.

[oldskewel]

I did not realize the thread was old and was about to respond suggesting an ATF and filter change. Glad that did it for you.

Here's the thought - based on the trouble with the hill start you had ... the pickup from the filter goes up right at the front of the AT. If some problem had developed with the seals there (the two orange rubber coated steel washer things) maybe you would not have enough flow when on the hill or reduced flow when cold. So those seals would be the problem. Of course they are replaced with the filter.

Glad you're doing well with it. I'm now at 171k with my 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R). Owned since 169k, with its first ever two ATF changes since I bought it. Mine is doing fine too.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by trader4

I haven't done a swap, but 10 hours at a dealer sounds like a lot
more than I would think it would take them with all the experience
and gear......?

That 10 hours includes time for unforseen problems. With the X being so old, bolts and nuts are sometime seized and require a lot more time and persuasion to remove then if they were brand new.