We have a family R57 with the 6-speed Aisin auto, and its been sitting in our barn for a while with only a few drives here and there. When I drove it today I noticed that it was making a lot of transmission whine while driving. Also, it seemed as though the torque converter was not locking up as when i pressed the gas, revs would rise maybe 500 RPM without anymore vehicle acceleration. I have no idea what would be causing this? Maybe low fluid level? Any thoughts are helpful.

 

Aisin transmissions are normally pretty bulletproof.

How many miles on the car?
What is its maintenance history w.r.t. tranny?

It sounds like the torque converter may be slipping, or the fluid level is low - any signs of leaks? Or the barn critters have had a feast on the transmission wiring ...

a

 

Almost 80K miles. Vehicle has a solid service history but never any maintenance on the transmission as the dealer does not normally require it.

 

Also, from further research, people suggest changing the fluid from time to time as it does wear out. I think I will try that with the mindset that a new set of fluid can't hurt.

 

The car normally has to get up to temperature before locking up the torque converter. depending on how cold it is, this can happen within a mile or up to 3 or 4 miles (in my experience at 10F or so).

Changing the fluid can't hurt. since it hasn't been done yet, I would recommend dropping the pan and changing the filter/screen. This will drain more fluid and allow you to clean out any junk from the pan.

Mike