I've got PROBLEMS

[BodylessSHO]

So I've noticed all week that my car has been acting strangely. Nothing I could put my finger on, just accelerating slightly better (kindof exciting), and when I would let off the gas, it would jump down in RPM's a little more than usual. Today I drove to New Smyrna (an hour drive at 85-90). When I got off the exit, the O/D off light started flashing. I got to my parents house, parked it and left it for 3 hours, started it up again and it was fine. Now, just now, I started it up, reversed out fine, put it in drive, hit the gas, and it was reving like normal but only drifting speed. I parked, turned it off, turned it back on and it ran fine, but I stopped driving it just in case. What the **** is wrong? I'm figuring the tranny is going, but could it be anything else?

 

[Mr. SHO]

Well, it's definitely related to the trans/TC. Now the question is, "what is making the trans/TC misbehave?" First off, the odds are not good when it comes to these ATXes holding up, even with care and maintenance. Take a look at the fluid. Check the level and do the "paper towel test" (place a drop of new ATF on a paper towel, and place a drop of the ATF from the trans dipstick next to it to see how much darker it is.) If the level is low, or if the fluid is black, you may be able to buy yourself some time by topping off the fluid or doing a flush & filter change.

You should also inspect the wiring and connections just to be sure you don't have an electrical problem sending jibberish to the transmission. Under the air intake hose, you will see a few connectors that plug into the top of the transmission case. Remove them and check for dirt, corrosion, etc. Clean them up if necessary and give them a light coating of WD-40 or Wire Dryer before re-connecting them. Also check the ground strap on the back of the engine's surge tank, as well as the battery connections at the terminals and the Mega-Fuse (on the passenger end of the fusebox).

If all else fails, take the car to a reputable transmission shop.

 

[BodylessSHO]

I had to drive it to work in 2nd Gear, because Drive was just like Neutral.

I checked the Tranny Fluid (Paper Towel) and it is quite a bit darker than it was when I checked it 3 weeks ago. I'll check the wiring when I get home, and I may do a flush/filter change tomorrow if I have time.

This is a huge burden, as it's my only way to and from work.

 

[SHO#7]

If it does not have third gear, you most likely are looking at rebuild time. I do not see changing the fluid being of any benifit.

Mike

 

[BodylessSHO]

I've got an appointment at AAMCO tomorrow morning.

 

[SHO#7]

I won't slam a transmission shop that I know nothing about, but if you want some numbers of some ATRA shops that may be in your area you can PM me. I will give you my number and talk with you on the phone. I am sure that there are some in your area.

Mike