New (to me at least) TL AWD

[Magnut]

Hi

I've just picked up a TL AWD with 277k on the clock for $500... It needs a paint job, which is why I bought it and on top of that, everything seems to be okay mechanically. Engine oil isn't burnt, it drives fine etc. I do have a question though. When you put it in drive, it's slow to engage. I'm talking about maybe 2 seconds. Reverse is quick, it engages almost immediately. I checked the tranny fluid and it's pretty disgusting, so is a job for the weekend. I'm curious if it's likely to be contaminated fluid or whether it could indicate a tranny on the way out, or both.

I guess either way, my question will be answered on the weekend, but just thought I'd ask here before then.

Cheers

[BergDonk]

My AWD has always been a bit sluggish to pick up when engaging Drive compared to otehr gearboxes I've used, although a bit relative I suppose.

Sounds like a good buy too.

[an observer]

Change the fluid and see if that improves things.

[MY1STAWD]

I recently purchased a TJII AWDith 200K on the clock ... and it has the EXACT same 'Lull' going into drive. The fluid looked almost new but I drained the trans via the cooler hose + the drain plug then topped up with Penrite Full Synthetic ATF. Did this 3x times & used 12 liters of the full syn ATF. Has made NO difference to the speed of engaging drive but has made the shifts super firm and FAST ... especially using the 'sport' mode. Whilst I was at it I also fitted a large trans oil cooler + a Magnafine inline magnetic filter that filters down to 2 Micron. Have used the same setup on my other vehicle & had the same results ... super firm shifts + the more you drive, the more particles the Magnafine filter pulls out of suspension in the oil. This I believe is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your high mileage transmission to give it a fighting chance of staying alive. Fresh CLEAN oil is the life blood of anything mechanical so whatever you can do to ensure the oil is clean & STAYS clean ... has to be an added bonus ?

[Magnut]

I did the oil change and it made things a lot better. I also had an issue with the TPS. It was giving trouble if the car sat for more than two days. I adjusted it and with the oil change, it's going really well. The oil in it is clear but I figured I might just leave it in there for maybe 20K and change it again. What do people think of putting the Nulon additive in with the oil? It's the Teflon stuff.