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

[iamwiz82]

Taking it to the dealer for a transmission problem is a signal you are a glutton for pain For shts and giggles i got a quote from my local dealer on rebuilding my tranny. $2000 plus install plus tax :Q. I ended up asking around and found a guy who works at Daimler Chrysler as a Transmission specialist for all the new cars. $1100 installed including a new torque converter I trust the guy because he has the experience of the company, but does it out of his own shop.

 

[TechnoKid]

Generally in all automatic cars, when you let off the gas pedal, the torque conveter disengauges to help with fuel economy. When you press on the gas again, it has to reengage. Sometimes, however, it does not engage properly, and could be the root of the sympthom you are describing.

Generally, the first thing I'd do is take it to a place like AAMCO maybe or and independant tranny shop and have em flush the system. Spending $80 on a trnny flush is better than speding $1100 for a rebuild on the tranny. If the flush helps or solves the problem, then thats that.

If that doesn't fix it, then the second thing I'd do and what thye'd prob do at the time of the flush is hook it up to a diagnostic computer. Also, I'd get the auto tranny computer either reset or reprogramed.

If they can figure out whats happening from the diag, then you may have to opt for the exspense of getting the tranny rebuilt. Often, when a auto tranny starts to slip, it is the torque converter seal that deteriorates. When this seals goes, your tranny slips because fluid is going where its not supposed to go. If it goes on too long, this could damage the torque converter, and you'd need to replace the torque converter in addition to the seal. Sometimes you can get away with just the seal, if the converter is still good. That is generally left up to the technichian to decide.

Hope that helped some.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid
Generally in all automatic cars, when you let off the gas pedal, the torque conveter disengauges to help with fuel economy. When you press on the gas again, it has to reengage. Sometimes, however, it does not engage properly, and could be the root of the sympthom you are describing.

Generally, the first thing I'd do is take it to a place like AAMCO maybe or and independant tranny shop and have em flush the system. Spending $80 on a trnny flush is better than speding $1100 for a rebuild on the tranny. If the flush helps or solves the problem, then thats that.

If that doesn't fix it, then the second thing I'd do and what thye'd prob do at the time of the flush is hook it up to a diagnostic computer. Also, I'd get the auto tranny computer either reset or reprogramed.

If they can figure out whats happening from the diag, then you may have to opt for the exspense of getting the tranny rebuilt. Often, when a auto tranny starts to slip, it is the torque converter seal that deteriorates. When this seals goes, your tranny slips because fluid is going where its not supposed to go. If it goes on too long, this could damage the torque converter, and you'd need to replace the torque converter in addition to the seal. Sometimes you can get away with just the seal, if the converter is still good. That is generally left up to the technichian to decide.

Hope that helped some.

Yeah it did actually. I'm gonna drop my car off tomorrow after work at the AAMCO near my place...have them run a diagnostic on it and do a flush if need be. $79.95 for a flush. So we'll see.

 

[thebestMAX]

Was gonna say "What, no smart remarks here?" but EA saved the day.

I agree with checking out the tranny but also could be your computer module. Controls shift points, engine timing and so forth that usually affect gas mileage. Let us know.

 

[BD231]

2000 Grand Prix SE 3.1 V6

Sweet car man

 

[CraigRT]

weid.. barely ever hear of GM's with tranny problems.. (other than the occasional few)

 

[moonshinemadness]

Did you replace the air filter with an uprated one, or the same as was on?

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: moonshinemadness
Did you replace the air filter with an uprated one, or the same as was on?

Appeared to be the same.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
weid.. barely ever hear of GM's with tranny problems.. (other than the occasional few)

The problem with a lot of FWD GM cars is they have bigger V6's while a lot of Jap FWD's are 4cyl. The V6 puts more torque and wear on the tranny. So you need to keep up with filter and fluid changes more than a weaker 4cyl car.
One of my customers had abotu 150K on his tranny before it went out. He did not change the fluid enough and also hauled pizza's so that was his problem. The same tranny in my Buick, with a 3.8L v6 is still shifting great and strong, but I change the fluid, drop the pan, every 12K(4th oil change)

 

[pyonir]

Updated for those that care.

 

[tnitsuj]

It might be cheaper to get a junkyard tranny and pop that in.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: pyonir
Updated for those that care.

That $ucks man. I am no expert but how is the oil level in the transmission? Some A-hole at GM Goodwrench told me my tranny was slipping and needed to be rebuilt for $2800. I checked the oil level in it and it was a bit low so I got the oil changed and it runs great now.

 

[pyonir]

transmission fluid level? Fine...everytime i've checked it or it is checked when i get an oil change. It does need to be rebuilt. there is no question. No fourth gear makes complete sense.

 

[thebestMAX]

I care!





















Well, at least I feel for you. ( and not with my hands or other body parts either)

At least get another opinion. Transmission places usually suck at estimates IMHO. No 4th??? Dont buy it. Valve body?? Hard to diagnose from a distance. Good luck.

Might think about a trade if really that much to fix. Might not be as bad as you think if rest of the car is OK. Dont tell them about the problem of course.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: pyonir
transmission fluid level? Fine...everytime i've checked it or it is checked when i get an oil change. It does need to be rebuilt. there is no question. No fourth gear makes complete sense.

OK. just trying to contribute.

 

[freebee]

Reminds me of the old days of chrysler 3 speed trans.....manufacturer suggested no fluid changes were necessary. Car ran 150k miles with no problems, until the exhaust rusted out.

2000 Pontiac is really new to have trans troubles.....in some cases the dealer fixes these for free. But with that kind of mileage...you never know. I've had problems with an ML430 which the dealer will honor to 100k miles, but MB dealerships are a little different. Plus the workers at the AL. factory musta been smoking something when they built this one since its a total lemon. The dash is falling apart...its like a crappy plastic toy.