[quazi]

So the auto is terminal, Bands tightened and filters cleaned and oil changed, but the prognosis is not good. Any options? Any quick fixes?

[Gwagensteve]

Find a replacement or rebuild. It's only a trimatic- they're dirt cheap to rebuild.

[quazi]

Just quoted 200-2500 to rebuild. Be cheaper to buy a working one and ship it up to Cairns i think...

[quazi]

I know the 4 speed auto wouldnt shift automaticly behind a G16a, but will it work fine as a manual shift? Bellhousing the same? I have no problem doing a manual shift auto if that is the only downside to putting the 4 speed auto in.

[Gwagensteve]

No. The aw-4 won't shift properly without a computer as its solenoid controlled. There is a 100% hydraulic variant which is used by Mitsubishi but would need a vitara bell housing and output. and there are other complications- the aw-4 is longer so crossmembers and driveshafts are different.

[quazi]

Ok, thanks for the info, so looks like i limp it around until i find a replacement. I dont really want to go down the manual conversion route. Gwagensteve, you ae a wealth of information, most greatful.

[fordem]

Gwagensteve wrote:

No. The aw-4 won't shift properly without a computer as its solenoid controlled.

The AW4 can be manually shifted without a computer - it's just a matter of energizing the appropriate solenoid at the appropriate time. Because of the popularity of the AW4 in the Jeep world, manual controllers are available - it's basically a lever operated cam that controls a couple of micro-switches - not too difficult to fab something up if you wanted to build it yourself.

Something at the back of my mind also says that simply unplugging the transmission controller allows the transmission to be manually shifted using the selector, at least through the lower gears - 1/2/3/N/R/P - but that may vary with the vehicle & the selector configuration - in my mind it's more of a "get-you-home" deal than a long term option.

As far as I know the Mitsubishi variants are all electronically shifted (that's where I got my experience), I think it's Volvo that uses the 100% hydraulic one - in my opinion Mitsubishi puts way too much electronics in their vehicles - as an example, I have a 98 Pajero with 23 computers, 5 of which are for the power windows alone, compare that to my 98 GV which has just one, and yes, the GV also has power windows.

Headlights, park lights, turn signals, hazard lights, even the dome light - are all controlled by Mitsubishi's "smart wiring system"

[chris77]

Put a jeep auto ecu in with the AW-4 , I believe they run a stand alone controller and are dine a dozzen ( well in NZ they are anyway )

Chris

[fordem]

Depends on exactly which Jeep - some of them are separate from the engine controller, some are integrated.

For the sake of discussion, let's assume you have a separate transmission controller and please note I did not say "stand alone" - because they are not - you now need to integrate that into your existing wiring harness AND get it to communicate with the engine controller or it won't shift properly - you just introduced a whole new level of complexity.

The challenge in many swaps nowadays is not the mechanical part - it's getting the electronics to play nice.

There's a guy I know with an H27A in a two door Sidekick chassis - four computers - engine, transmission, transfer case & body control - and the body control module is just wired to power, ground & canbus - it serves no purpose but to keep the other three from bitching about it not being there.

[chris77]

The jeep ecu people have used on other aw4s are from the late 80's and early 90's . They are a stand alone ecu . They need a throttle position input so this is obviousily easier if you have an efi engine . See if I can post the diagram .



I agree with Fordem that its getting harder and harder to get things to play nicely but sometimes there are other ways to get things done . Someone on here was working on a "fix" for the odd input required for the suzuki trans controller but not seen anything on that lately . I think there would be a few people interested in it being completed .

Given that the jeep ecu is unlikely to shift in the perfect points for a suzuki and the fabrication work they say is required to install it , my guess is stick with the 3 sp . If you went ahead with it I would try a jeep ecu over manual shift , I'm so lazy now I sick of manually shifting my auto and I thinking of reprogramming my sequentual controller to be a full auto .

[frak]

There is also a custom programmable auto controller kicking around. A branch of the megasquirt project. (Not dependant on that though)

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[mnemonix]

All this talk of conversions and aftermarket hacks when all he needs is a replacement 3spd traumatic gearbox, a variant that isn't exceptionally rare or expensive.

[quazi]

Well they are like hens teeth up here, and the rebuild i was quoted is worth more than the Vitara itself. I didnt want to do a manual conversion, but it may be the best potion, Unless someone has a spare 3speed thats not going to break the bank? then i gotta get it transported to Cairns...

[mnemonix]

Perhaps jump on the North Brisbane Suzuki Club Forum page and post a "looking to buy" thread?
I imagine there is probably a club guy with a 3speed sitting in the shed for a comp truck project or spares. Or at least someone who could source one.
It would be about the closest you'll find one I imagine.

[quazi]

Cheers for that. Will have a look.

[Scrawny]

mnemonix wrote:

Perhaps jump on the North Brisbane Suzuki Club Forum page and post a "looking to buy" thread?
I imagine there is probably a club guy with a 3speed sitting in the shed for a comp truck project or spares. Or at least someone who could source one.
It would be about the closest you'll find one I imagine.

I don't think there is. A few of us have AW-4's but they all have a car to end up in