otismaxi

Update: The good news: bad solenoid! Man I would have been torqed if the tranny was replaced and THEN didn't work! Bad news: looking for trouble turned up a bad left front wheel bearing. Still, everything will be fixed for 1/2 the price of a tranny job. Now what to I buy with all that leftover cash? Thanks, nipper. O

Any opinions or experiences with imported Japanese AT transmissions? I might need a new tranny, and the remanufactured units go for ~$3500 installed, versus ~$1700 installed for the Japanese pull offs. One mechanic said the Japanese transmissions have low miles and are typically in good shape since the Japanese get their cars off the road after just a few years. At half price, I could replace the tranny twice if I get a lemon. Six month warrantee with the used, versus 12 months with reman. Thanks! O

Nipper Does rebuilding the AWD unit include changing the Duty C? The dealer "advisors" seem unsure. O

Thanks, Nipper!

And by the by, there's 123K on my 96 Legacy GT wagon with AT. Thanks O

I have a 1996 Legacy GT wagon with the same symptomology: intermittent AT Oil flashing on start up, sometimes transmission "drag" and binding in corners. Othertimes, runs as sweet as ever. My mechanic (maybe ex-mechanic) is pushing for a $3400 rebuilt transmission replacement. What do the masters think? I am but the grasshopper. If you read the ECC, will it say Duty C solenoid? What does a Duty C replacement run, or can I do it (good with tools, scars to prove)? Any GOOD mechanics in Berkeley? Thanks in advance! O