I know this isn't a hiace BUT can you help?

Ok, My friend has been having some issues with her car, Its all explained in the below quote, she posted on a forum but didn't get many replies. I thought maybe someone here might be a bit clued into the problem or be able to point me towards a forum I could point her too to get some help. Thanks heaps if anyone is able to offer some suggestions

Quote :

So for the past few months we have been having serious transmission problems with our 1997 mitsubishi nimbus. Up until then it was a pretty good car. So we eventually talk about replacing the transmission, we call about 3 mechanics who basically refuse to do it cause they say the car isn't worth it. (we have bub #3 due end of march, and can't afford to buy a new car, fixing this car is really our only option) anyway, we find a mechanic that does eventually fix it and it costs us $2025 to recondition the gearbox. BUT, we have still been having problems with it! It's been back to the same mechanic 4 times, and they've replaced this and replaced that. We call them today and they eventually tell us that our radiator is leaking coolant into the transmission and if we don't get it fixed our warranty will be void with them. basically, they are transmission specialists and can't fix the radiator, so we think they are passing the buck. When we first took it to them and they fixed our transmission, they mentioned nothing about coolant in the transmission or a leaking radiator or anything, now 3 weeks later, suddenly that's a problem??? they couldn't find that before? i seriously doubt it would have popped up in 3 weeks, we have had no issues with the radiator before. they're annoyed at us because they've already lost so much money on 'fixing our car' apparently they have replaced the pulse generator and solanoids (sp?) a few times even though obviously that is not the problem and were whinging about the cost of them doing that (the problem is sometimes the gearbox randomly shifts down to 2nd gear and revs really high, we have to turn the car off then back on again for it to click back down again)

so.....a few questions – if we have to replace our radiator, how much do you think it will cost?? and are we being jipped by these mechanics? ive just had enough, we have spent $2000 and it's still not fixed, and they can't even guarantee that if we replace the radiator that's the gearbox fixed. Gah!! Please help, need some answers. Appreciate your help

It is possible the radiator coolant is leaking into the auto trans. oil cooler in the bottom of the radiator - if it is then the oil/coolant would emulsify and damage the valves and clutches operations. What I don't see is that the particular problem with shifting back to second can be cleared by shutting down the engine and restarting - that sounds more like an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) causing fault or a spurious signal getting to the ECU. Either of these should be found by interrogating the ECU with a diagnostic tester.

Its just possible that both faults exist - but it's up to them to correctly diagnose the problem in the first place, not just keep trying things and adding to YOUR bill

She had the radiator replaced, apprently there was a problem with it but when driving it home the same problem occurred.
I will pass on what you have said about the ECU. Thanks Poor girl, is pregnant with her 3rd, we live up in the mountains, she needs a car that works & they have limited funds for all this. So im sure your suggestion would be appreciated.

I don't know the answer...but would check everything is smooth (no sticking links) and correctly adjusted for the kickdown cable. The box can behave very strangely when the kickdown cable length or mechanism is out of kilter

I'm pretty sure the box is controlled by a throttle potentiometer rather than a cable C & H

Dunno..its kickdown cable on the 1992 2.8 + a throttle pot to knock the aircon off (and whatever else) at full throttle
Edit - ah...its not a toyota...sorry

Off at a tangent a bit - but where's the switch to knock off the a/c on the 2.8.I didn't know it had one and was thinking of fitting one! any pics?
Alan

Pretty sure its standard fitment....just behind the timing belt cover on passenger side of the head.
If you have the ignition on...lift the engine cover and slowly pull the throttle through to full position slowly. You'll hear a click come from it...or the air con pump (its been some years so hazy memory...I remember having a multimeter hooked up to it for some reason).
If I understand right...when it clicks it knocks off the air con via the magnetic clutch to allow full power.
Bit chilly for photos but if you are really struggling to see it post back...

Edit: Am I reading too much into that?....if you mean the air con switch mine has a push button on the dash...just to the right of the sliders...mines a 92

No Chris - I didn't realise there was a microswitch for full throttle - must investigate!