Transmission Noise

1999 Montana (82,000) has a strange whining sound when you start the motor. It goes away after moment, but when you shift, or when the car shifts you can hear the whine - very loud.

Sounded like a power steering pump with no fluid, but fluid levels appear to be OK.

This morning I started the car and initially no noise! But after a few seconds there it was - very loud whining/grinding noise. Appears to be coming from the transmission.

Transmission Tech said it was more than likely the transmission pump and the tranny would have to be removed to inspect and find the issue.

Considering how much room is in the engine compartment, you basicly need to remove the tranny/motor for anything that needs to be fixed!

Certified Transmission in Omaha: $1800 to replace. Says the fluid is burnt, the pump is bad. Just replace the whole thing.

How difficult is it to replace the pump?

Becareful!, if the pump is bad and the fluid is burnt then the internal parts have gotten hot. If they just replace the pump you may have additional issues down the road (no pun intended). Make sure they inspect the whole tranny and MAKE SURE YOU GET A WARANTEE (spelling?) for the tranny. After it is fixed if something doesn't feel right get them to check it out, Don't let them tell you that it's normal. You have driven the van under normal opreation you know what's normal. Good luck