This is for people having a problem with a gearbox light and fault code p0829. My trans shifted pretty normal for a high mileage 03 STR but the TCM saw slippage so it would leave it in just 1 gear.


Most of the threads on here refer people to the TSB that requires an update of the software in the TCM. Which would be nice to do but not completely required in my case.


I had a very small leak most likely coming from the trans sleeve, it looked like an old leak.

I drained my trans fluid. It looked black when drained in a container. There was 4.9L removed over a 24hr period. I purchased the kit from the FAQ listing, make sure you purchase all new trans pan bolts. My trans took 5.4L on the refill at the correct temp.


I have put 200miles on the trans since the fluid/filter change with out the P0829 coming back on. The trans shifts perfectly, 1st to 2nd shift is more jerky then I would like but all is well.

 

I think you are at the beginning of an expensive problem.
No one has ever reported draining black fluid out of the 6 speed ZF transmission. That color indicates high heat and clutch pack particles.

I would definitely recommend another fluid and filter change right now. Glad it's working OK but the fluid got black for some reason.

Anybody else have black fluid? At 75K miles my 2005 STR was only a bit off color from the new fluid. Really looked very good.
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tbird may be correct. My high mileage 03 STR had her trans. fluid swapped at 110k but old fluid wasn't black. Regardless, run her till the ZF drops.

 

it was dark brown when it was draining, but when 1 1/4 inch of fluid was sitting in the pan it was black. I didn't see any metal on the magnets. I noticed on the old pan the date showed 2006. Your right about changing the fluid again, if I notice any changes in shift quality I will do another fluid/filter change.