YACT: Engine problem? Tranny problem? *updated* for those that care

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pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Updated

Well I just got back from AAMCO transmission service and got the bad news. The problem is no fourth gear. They have to do a complete rebuild. $2000. I'm gonna call around to some other local places and get some estimates. I'm just not sure it is worth it...on a car with 98xxx miles. but i still owe so damn much on financing that getting a different car might not work, i might not be able to afford it. :(:(:(:(


Original
So...another car thread. 2000 Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6

When I'm driving on the freeway and let off the gas (completely), the RPM drops to idle speed. When I push the accelerator again, the car has to "catch up" with itself. The engine also produces a "whining" sound while the accelerator is pushed...at all times it is pressed. Slow or fast. It almost sounds like a supercharger does (for comparison).

I don't notice a lack of power, but the loss of MPG is killing my pocketbook. I'm getting 7-10 miles per gallon less than I did before this problem.

Only thing i have done recently is an oil change and air filter replacement.

Thoughts? I hope it isn't going to cost me too much. :(
 
Iron Woode

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
31,352
12,844
136
Originally posted by: pyonir
So...another car thread. 2000 Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6

When I'm driving on the freeway and let off the gas (completely), the RPM drops to idle speed. When I push the accelerator again, the car has to "catch up" with itself. The engine also produces a "whining" sound while the accelerator is pushed...at all times it is pressed. Slow or fast. It almost sounds like a supercharger does (for comparison).

I don't notice a lack of power, but the loss of MPG is killing my pocketbook. I'm getting 7-10 miles per gallon less than I did before this problem.

Only thing i have done recently is an oil change and air filter replacement.

Thoughts? I hope itsn't going to cost me too much. :(
Click to expand...
Try inspecting your sparkplugs to see if there are any ignition/fuel issues.
 
pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Hmmmm spark plugs may be something i need to look at. I'm not sure if they were replaced when i got the car 20,000 miles ago. (it now has about 98,000 on it). I found a site that says if there is a 'rotten egg' smell from the exhaust then it could be problems with the ignition system.

Could the whining be a vacuum problem?
 
D

desertdweller

Senior member
Jan 6, 2001
588
0
0

It sounds like a tranny problem. First thing, make sure it has enough fluid in it.
If it does, take it and have it looked at before it burns up.

Without actually being there to look at it, it sounds like a computer control problem,
like a bad solinoid, or a valve body problem.

DD
 
B

brtspears2

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2000
8,659
1
81
Funny, my Malibu with the 3.1L does same thing on freeway, droping to idle, but not losing gas mileage, but no sound except normal engine sounds when I tap the gas again. I was told these newer 3.1L's got spark plugs that last 100k miles, so you are about due.
 
M

MaDDinGO

Senior member
Apr 20, 2002
379
0
0
Check your oxygen sensors, that can cause a loss in MPG because your gas is burning too rich.
 
pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Thanks for advice guys. I guess I'll just have to get it in for a diagnostic test as there are so many things it could be. Now i just have to find a trustworthy and cheap place for that. :|
 
DainBramaged

DainBramaged

Lifer
Jun 19, 2003
23,454
41
91
Actually you should just take it to the dealer for the diagnostic test. They will know better than anyone else.
 
H

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
10,621
1
0
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Actually you should just take it to the dealer for the diagnostic test. They will know better than anyone else.
Click to expand...
Only if you want to pay twice as much for the same work. There are plenty of qualified independent mechanics who can do the job just as well as the dealer for much less money.
 
DainBramaged

DainBramaged

Lifer
Jun 19, 2003
23,454
41
91
You don't have to have the work done there, but IMO the dealer knows the car best. They are also, typically speaking, more professional in that they are trained on that specific car.
 
pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Actually you should just take it to the dealer for the diagnostic test. They will know better than anyone else.
Click to expand...
Only if you want to pay twice as much for the same work. There are plenty of qualified independent mechanics who can do the job just as well as the dealer for much less money.
Click to expand...

Yeah...I'm done with the dealership. I got raped on power window regulator replacement because I couldn't find anyone else that knew how to do it. That is all the money they are getting out of me.

Heisenberg: I'm thinking Pepboys. I've had decent luck with them in the past...and since i've only lived in the area I'm in for about 1.5 years...I'm kinda hesitant to go to the independent shops...

Thoughts?
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Sounds like the transmission to me. It may be a small fix or it might not. Take it to the dealer and hope it's still under warranty.
 
H

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
10,621
1
0
Originally posted by: pyonir
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Actually you should just take it to the dealer for the diagnostic test. They will know better than anyone else.
Click to expand...
Only if you want to pay twice as much for the same work. There are plenty of qualified independent mechanics who can do the job just as well as the dealer for much less money.
Click to expand...

Yeah...I'm done with the dealership. I got raped on power window regulator replacement because I couldn't find anyone else that knew how to do it. That is all the money they are getting out of me.

Heisenberg: I'm thinking Pepboys. I've had decent luck with them in the past...and since i've only lived in the area I'm in for about 1.5 years...I'm kinda hesitant to go to the independent shops...

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I dunno. I'm kinda distrustful of national chains like Pepboys from the stories I've heard. The best thing to do is ask around with people you know and find an independent mechanic who's good. I'd been going to the same place for the past 7 years before I recently moved. Now it sucks because I don't have any idea where to go.
 
R

RustedOut

Member
Jan 2, 2002
28
0
0
Check for disconnected vacuum lines. Might have been accidentally disconnected during your air/oil filter change. That would kill your gas mileage too.
 
Q

Quixfire

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2001
6,892
0
0
I wouldn't go to chain store for a transmission repair. Most chain stores reward their mechanics for selling parts over quality work.

If you can't find a decent transmission shop, then a dealership may be your only choice. Just make sure you get a detailed estimate with warranty guidelines before approving any repairs.

Good Luck
 
DainBramaged

DainBramaged

Lifer
Jun 19, 2003
23,454
41
91
I rarely to never take my car anywhere but the dealership. If you feel that you got mistreated at one dealership, try another. With a Pontiac, it can't be that hard to find one.
 
pyonir

pyonir

Lifer
Dec 18, 2001
40,856
321
126
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
I rarely to never take my car anywhere but the dealership. If you feel that you got mistreated at one dealership, try another. With a Pontiac, it can't be that hard to find one.
Click to expand...

The one i went to is 15 miles from my home. The next closest is 30. I'm not going to drive 15 more miles to be raped on price. If the car was under warranty i would, but the car isn't covered.
 
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