98 Forester - P0740

[Harold Petersen]

We had our local dealer replace the transmission in our 1998 Forester
with a used one with 60,000 miles. The dealership apparently test drove
the Sub with no problems. We we picked up the vehicle we received a
check engine light. We took the Forester back. The dealership replaced
the solenoid from our old transmission into the newer used one. Again
they test drove the car with no problem. We of course received a check
engine light after a few miles. The dealership recommended doing a
transmission flush since there was no way of knowing how long the
transmission had been sitting. Again the dealership test drove the
vehicle about 15 miles with no problems. We picked up the vehicle and
within three miles the check engine light came on again. The error code
that was displayed was P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch). The place we
purchased the used transmission has offered to send another one but of
course at our expense to have the other pulled and replaced. The
Forester appears to be driving just fine with the used transmission.
Would appreciate any suggestions or ideas that we could pass along to
our dealership.

 

[Victor Roberts]

We had our local dealer replace the transmission in our 1998 Forester
with a used one with 60,000 miles. The dealership apparently test drove
the Sub with no problems. We we picked up the vehicle we received a
check engine light. We took the Forester back. The dealership replaced
the solenoid from our old transmission into the newer used one. Again
they test drove the car with no problem. We of course received a check
engine light after a few miles. The dealership recommended doing a
transmission flush since there was no way of knowing how long the
transmission had been sitting. Again the dealership test drove the
vehicle about 15 miles with no problems. We picked up the vehicle and
within three miles the check engine light came on again. The error code
that was displayed was P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch). The place we
purchased the used transmission has offered to send another one but of
course at our expense to have the other pulled and replaced. The
Forester appears to be driving just fine with the used transmission.
Would appreciate any suggestions or ideas that we could pass along to
our dealership.

How is it possible that they test drive it three times and
didn't see any problem and you triggered the check engine
light each of the three times after only a short distance?
Once maybe, but not three times in a row. Do you trust the
dealer?

 

[Harold Petersen]

How is it possible that they test drive it three times and
didn't see any problem and you triggered the check engine
light each of the three times after only a short distance?
Once maybe, but not three times in a row. Do you trust the
dealer?

To be honest, not a lot. They had the car for two months trying to find
used parts and I was able to locate a used transmission in one week on
EBay for less than the parts they were going to order.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

We had our local dealer replace the transmission in our 1998 Forester
with a used one with 60,000 miles. The dealership apparently test drove
the Sub with no problems. We we picked up the vehicle we received a
check engine light. We took the Forester back. The dealership replaced
the solenoid from our old transmission into the newer used one. Again
they test drove the car with no problem. We of course received a check
engine light after a few miles. The dealership recommended doing a
transmission flush since there was no way of knowing how long the
transmission had been sitting. Again the dealership test drove the
vehicle about 15 miles with no problems. We picked up the vehicle and
within three miles the check engine light came on again. The error code
that was displayed was P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch). The place we
purchased the used transmission has offered to send another one but of
course at our expense to have the other pulled and replaced. The
Forester appears to be driving just fine with the used transmission.
Would appreciate any suggestions or ideas that we could pass along to
our dealership.

What was wrong with the original tranny?
Make certain all your tires are the same and have the same wear. If not,
buy 4 new tires or buy one or 2 the same as the remainder but have them
shaved to the same circumference within 1/4" . Also, if the problem goes
away when the FWD fuse is insatlled, that is diagnostic for a bad center
diff. in the tranny's tailshaft.

Actually, I think the overall best idea MAY be to find a diferent mechanic.

Carl

 

[Harold Petersen]

What was wrong with the original tranny?
Make certain all your tires are the same and have the same wear. If not,
buy 4 new tires or buy one or 2 the same as the remainder but have them
shaved to the same circumference within 1/4" . Also, if the problem goes
away when the FWD fuse is insatlled, that is diagnostic for a bad center
diff. in the tranny's tailshaft.

Actually, I think the overall best idea MAY be to find a diferent mechanic.

Carl

The original drive shaft broke and damaged the transmission housing
along with a few other parts of the transmission. The tires are 10
months old and appear to have the same wear. I'll test the FWD fuse idea.