I have a 1998 Voyager with a 3.3L engine and 4 speed transmission with overdrive. When cold the gears change fine and smooth, after about 30 minutes of driving when it gets warm it has a loud whine and shifts all over the place. It just jumps in and out of gears. We have assumed the tranny is toast, the van has over 200,000 miles on it as well but engine still runs great.

My first question is, am I correct in assuming that the tranny is toast?
My second question is about transmission rebuild kits. I can buy one for around $200. The parts store has assured me that it includes all that I need for rebuild other than transmission fluid. (don't really trust them because I've gotten bad info from some of the employees before) They did specifilly mention it having all the clutches and gears. Does anyone know for sure if this will fix the problems I'm having?

My hubby does have a mechanic friend who is going to help him fix it in their spare time, but he estimated the parts alone to cost around $500. He just told my hubby to get the parts and they'd do it. Now I'm just trying to figure out, without hurting anyone's feelings or making anyone mad if maybe the parts store is leaving something out that I need or if the mechanic friend just "overestimated". Thanks for any and all input.

Bethany

*As a side not the transmission has had fluid and filter changed within the last 15,000 miles with the ATF-4 I think it's called, but it was the correct fluid and we replace the speed sensors after it went into limp mode. Ran great from then till now, almost a year later.

I am hardly an expert. The only experience I've had with trannys was changing one 20 years ago and the usual fluid filter changes over time. That and being an auto forums junky for several years. If you drop the pan and see any more debrie than the fuzz on the magnets then yes, the tranny needs a rebuild. Oh and if there is debrie, change the torque converter and and flush the cooler.

Before you get there consider changing the solenoid pack. The solenoids are a major player in controling shifts. Might consider the speed sensors again. Make sure their connections are secure and clean. Also make sure there's not a mismatch on the pin pattern on the connectors. There was a TSB on the subject several years ago. Seems the distance between pins was slightly different on some sensor harnesses creating intermittent or permanent loss of signals.

If it comes to it here's a series of pictures of a complete teardown/rebuild of a 41TE 4 speed tranny: http://img.betchuk.com/thumbnails.php?album=10&page=1

Thanks Rip for the post. Hubby said the last time there was debris, so it is probably worse now. We don't want to tear it apart yet, because when/if we rebuild it won't be here and we don't want to have to tow it. It drives great for about 30 minutes and then starts acting up. when doing some more searching I found a place that sells the Master rebuild kit and a Deluxe Rebuild kit. Advanced auto (my only local parts store) cannot give me any info on their kit, so I think they are selling the master kit, the deluxe kit contains a lot more parts and according Transtar parts book I have will give me a better rebuild and it's only about $20.00 more. When checking other prices, the Torque converter will be around $200 as well. I guess what I'm asking is it better to go ahead and replace the solenoid pack (also almost $200) or wait to see if the rebuild and new torque converter does the trick. I only want to have to do this once, and the more I have to do the more money I will have to save up, but like I said I want to do it right the first time so I don't have to do it again. Thanks for the help and advice. :)

*Just a side not I called the local tranny shop, just to see what they'd charge me for a rebuild. He quoted me $1450. When I asked what type of fluid he'd put back in he was a smart butt and said "transmission fluid" When I asked what type he got very rude and said that they use mercon dexron (not sure how to write that) stuff and whoever told me to use ATF 4 was full of crap and just trying to get more money. I politely said thank you and hung up and warned my hubby he better not take anything to that guy. I wonder if he's had trouble before or what, but he was very nice until I asked what type of fluid to use. Then he was a complete A$$.

1998 uses atf3-4. sounds like the trans has a converter or front pump issue

I'd have to agree with hunda- it sounds like you have lots of sediment (clutch material, etc.) that settles out after sitting a spell, then gets sucked up into the inlet screen as you run the car causing the pump to cavitate, which would cause the whine and lots of pressure issues. If the kits don't include the pump, your cost could go way up.

Well mechanic guy was right :) I wasn't counting a new torque converter in my price and he was. They are going to start on it first thing Sat. Morning. The Deluxe Overhaul kit, torque converter, and fluid were about $500. (I hate being wrong lol) So I'm hoping that all of that will fix all my problems. I am very nervous that something else will happen afterwards, so ya'll keep your fingers crossed for me cause I'm just about out of money. :D

it shouldn't be that expensive if all they need to replace are steels, clutches and seals, but it could be costly if they need to start replacing hard parts...sun gear, reaction plate, etc.....

Ok quite a few days of work later and quite a bit poorer, I can now drive my voyager and it drives great. :grinyes: As far as the transmission went they (hubby and mechanic friend) used a deluxe overhaul kit, put in a new torque converter, after pulling everything out hubby had to buy a bushing kit and they had to replace the over and under drive hubs they were almost destroyed. The tranny was full of silicone. We are not sure what that was about but hubby said he was amazed that any of the fluid could flow through with all of the silicone that they found. They spent 3 days (about 12 hours total) just cleaning all of the parts that they were not replacing.
While they had it apart they changed oil and filter, valve cover gaskets, the rear seal, and flushed the radiator and replaced the coolant. So hopefully all this will let me drive the van at least a few more years. Next thing is brakes and tires I guess. :sunglasse
Thank you again for all of you guys help. I really appreciate you all taking the time to answer my questions and offer your opinions.
Bethany