Greetings.

Recently my AW 30-40 auto tranny on my '92 965 (170,000K) started to struggle when engaging 'R', when warm (no problems with cold tranny). A 3 to 4 second wait was needed before a bite was felt. This has been accompanied by a not unpleasant though intriguing 'swishing' noise from around the torque convertor. Fluid level is OK and was flushed with around 14 litres of Dexron III 2,500 miles ago. The previous fluid was brown and had the consistency of warm treacle!

More recently 'D' has been reluctant to engage, suffering also with a small time delay before biting, although when engaged is fine. The 'swishing' noise is only apparent with the tranny driving in 1st and 2nd with the torque convertor unlocked, and with the engine revved in 'N'. 3rd and 4th work fine. No noise is apparent when lockup has occurred. Since the fluid flush any harsh shifting was completely eradicated.

The kickdown, and W, S and E modes all work perfectly, and with a huge boot of throttle at high speed the tranny is completely unflustered. No fluid is leaking from any orifices. No error codes are found by OBD.

Any ideas before I remove and (carefully) look inside the tranny?

Big L.