Transaxle Light

Recently, my Trans axle light has started coming on and flashing.. The first time it happened, i had the Transmission fluid and filter changed. It didn't come on again until i was running cruise control at 80 MPH, on the way to my dads (About a 15 Mile drive) This was a one time thing, and didn't do it the trip back, nor the next trip there.. But a few days ago, me and about 3 family members went for a ride in my car, and once we hit interstate (about 75 MPH) the Trans axle light came on immediately, and on the way back home, it came on again immediately as soon as we hit highway speeds.

Now i just read here on your website, that i should try it again by turning off the climate control system, and see if it stays on. I will definitely try that as soon as possible. Is there anything else i should try, Or any ideas as to what it may be? What is a guessed price range to fix the issues...

Im trying to figure out and decide if it will be cheaper for me to fix the car, or replace it with a new model. If the repairs are going to cost over $300.00 i do not plan to keep it. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

Have you checked the level and condition of the transmission fluid? If it is as simple as a transmission fluid and filter change, it will run less than $300. Anything more serious and, unless you buy parts and perform the labor yourself, will likely run you over $300.

Did you happen to notice the engine speed (RPMs) when the transaxle light came on? Maybe your lockup torque converter is not working properly at highway speeds, or slip is being detected. I suppose if it's just a speed sensor issue it might run less than $300 to fix it....

If you have access to a professional scan tool capable of accessing the transmission codes, that will help you make a decision.

-Rod

I took it to a shop this morning, they told me it is the torque converter..

Is this something that NEEDS to be replaced? And what will happen if i don't.. He told me i was looking at about 600 with parts and labor, and id rather trade the car if it is going to cost that much.. But in the mean time, is it hurting it to drive it?

Thanks for all your help!

If it's just the lockup portion it's not going to hurt anything other than fuel economy. I doubt you'll see much more than maybe a 2 mpg drop in highway economy.

-Rod