*UPDATE* Car problems - Got a new car!

[SmackD]

As the topic says, had some car issues today. I have a 2002 Ford Focus zx3 and today was driving on the highway at around 65 when I heard and felt a clunk and then the car started revving when I hit the gas without moving (stuck in neutral?). It's an automatic by the way. The check engine light also came on after this.

I can put it into 2nd and was able to drive ok, only up to 35 or so, but managed to get home. I can also drive it in D but it will go into neutral after a certain point, seems to be when it tries to go into 4th. Any ideas on this? Is it a bad transmission entirely or something less severe?

Anyways, the cars payed off and I was planning on trading it in around March to get a new car so this kinda put a crimp in my plans. My options seem to be that I could get it fixed (worth it?), or trade it in as it is now. I've already gone over the miles in the warranty so I'd have to pay to get it fixed.

Thanks for the help!


******
Update

So I took it to get an appraisal on the damage and they wantd about 2000 to rebuilt the tranny. So instead I went to a dealership to see what I could get on a trade in, and somehow they gave me 6k on it, which I honestly would have been surprised to get on a perfect condition zx3.

So I drove home in my brand new Audi A4 =)

 

[Demo24]

just shift through the gears with the stick 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and dont try to go into 4th

 

[SmackD]

It's an automatic, I meant 2nd on that.

 

[Fingers]

most places will; just tell you you need a new tranny. There are a couple specific things it could be but in most cases it will end up being cheaper to get a new tranny. Did you maintain it properly? change tranny fluid at appropriate times?

 

[Biggerhammer]

Sounds like 'limp mode' on the tranny. I don't know enough about fixing automatic transmissions (or manual ones for that matter) to offer any advice apart from prayer.

Hope that it turns out to be a simple cheap fix!

 

[Pciber]

Turn off the car, remove the key, step out of the vehicle for 10-30 seconds, then get back in the car and start it again. Everything will be fine.


meh, works for microsoft.

 

[artikk]

Originally posted by: Pciber
Turn off the car, remove the key, step out of the vehicle for 10-30 seconds, then get back in the car and start it again. Everything will be fine.


meh, works for microsoft.

:thumbsup:

JUst check with any auto technical engineer/repairman to get the necessary tools and parts to fit that tranny or the entire car.

 

[sniperruff]

i was just listening to car talk and it seems like the clutch is shot in this case.

 

[Slvrtg277]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i was just listening to car talk and it seems like the clutch is shot in this case.

Man my automatic transmission must really be shot....I can't even find the clutch. I got ripped off.

 

[Pciber]

Originally posted by: Slvrtg277

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i was just listening to car talk and it seems like the clutch is shot in this case.

Man my automatic transmission must really be shot....I can't even find the clutch. I got ripped off.

maybe the car gnomes stole it... I know i was missing my clutch last week, had to hit those buggers with a hammer to get it back

 

[mcvickj]

I just went through the same thing with my 97 Taurus. Unfortunately I was only able to get half way home. I would almost bet the farm that your transmission is going kaput. Whatever you choose to do make sure you call around. I took it to the dealer and they wanted $3000 to put a new tranny in. I found a local shop that specalizes in transmission work and they did an excellent job for much less. About $1700 later I had a rebuilt tranny with a 2 year, unlimited mile warranty.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Slvrtg277

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i was just listening to car talk and it seems like the clutch is shot in this case.

Man my automatic transmission must really be shot....I can't even find the clutch. I got ripped off.

umm just because it's an auto doesn't mean it doesn't have a clutch.