Can I change the transmission myself?

[nwb1057]

I have a 1999 Cirrus, and several months ago the tranny started slipping. Then it began making a HIGH pitched squeeling noise while the car was idling and under acceleration. I took it to the shop and they said there was fine metal flakes in the trans. pan and it had a collapsed tran. filter. They couldn't explain why the flakes were there "unless we tear into the whole thing." They replaced the filter and the problem was solved for about 1 month, then it started all over again. Now it won't go at all. They quoted a repair/rebuild between $1500-$3000. This car is NOT worth that kind of money. I found a rebuilt tran. for $795 w/ 1yr, 12,000mile warranty.

Has anyone replaced one before and can I do it in my drive? Scale of 1-10 how hard is a job like this? Do you have to drop/pull the whole motor to do it?

[btilley2006]

I have had to do a bunch of these but never in a driveway. The motor does not have to come out, and the trans comes out the bottom. I wont say you "cant" do it in your driveway, but I will say it wont be fun, its about a 7 1/2 hour job the first time you have done it (with a lift and tranny jack.)

[btilley2006]

Oh and on the scale its about a 4 with proper equipment, 8-9 without.

[nwb1057]

Thanks for the input. I was expecting a lot worse.

[dsramprat]

One thing you need to remember. After you hang the new transaxle, the car may run like crap. With a new trans you need to take it to the dealer or a repair shop, and have them perform a "transaxle quick learn procedure". This will basically recalibrate the electronic transaxle system to provide the best performance possible. Unfortunately you cannot do this procedure yourself unless you have access to a DRB scan tool and cartridge for this procedure.

[championny]

I wondered this myself. I have a 96 Cirrus that stalls and makes the same noise in gears. I found a rebuilt transmission for $620 including shipping. As long as the engine does not have to be lifted, my family of mechanics said they could do this at home. I guess I will prepare everyone for the long day.

[604action]

My transmission control module messed up on my cirrus and that was gay