97 Transmission Problem

I have a 97 lx, automatic trans. The other day I was driving, I came to a stop, and then when I started accelerating, it got to about 10 miles per hour and then slipped into neutral, and it was just revving, well after revving for about 2-3 seconds, it finally shifted back into drive. It continues to do this problem. I took it into the shop and got a call back saying that I need a new trans, and its gonna cost 1500 bucks to get it. I personally don't believe him and I think that he just trying to take advantage of me. My father looked at it and said he had the same problem with a previous car of his and he took it to the same shop and they said: "We could tell you that you need a new transmission, and you'd probably believe us, but we would be lying, all that needed to be replaced was a certain valve (or something) and the bands on the clutch tightened." and it only cost him like 15 dollars. So any help would be appreciated in this problem, cuz I want the car fixed, but I don't want to pay 1500 dollars unless I have proof that it really needs a new trans.


Jim

It slipped into neutral or was in DRIVE and not going anywhere?

Is it full of fluid?

Definately you need a second opinion. Watch out for these ripoff shops!

Sometimes a diry tranny filter will do that.

It would be in DRIVE but like once it got to 10mph on acceleration, it would slip into NEUTRAL and then kick back into gear about 2-3 seconds later, but you had to take your foot off the pedal first.

There is fluid in it, me and my dad checked it.

I ended up buying a used trans for $475 and the guy is installing it for $350, so I saved about $700. I guess that'll do for now.


Jim

OK, just bought a used transmission from Glenn's Auto Parts, and its guarenteed for 30 days (which I think is bullshit), however, the mechanic (upon installing it) tells me that the best thing to do if I get stuck in the snow, would be to call a towtruck rather than trying to rock myself out because he guarentees that I'll burn the transmission up by doing that...so...my question would be, did I just get suckered into buying a piece of shit transmission?

4 out of 3 people have trouble with math. I love it.
Nah, you didn't get a bad tranny. A new tranny can be destroyed in a matter of hours if you power shift from drive to reverse back to drive enough times on dry pavement. It wears the fiber clutch plates down to the metal. I don't think it would do that on ice or snow as the tires would break loose before the clutch plates would fail. I think your mechanic was just covering his ass and that doesn't mean you got a bad tranny. A 30 day warranty is standard procedure for used parts.
If it does go out they will supply another tranny, but the mechanic will more than likely charge labor again to put it in. Meet them half-way and don't run it too hard. After all, it is a used transmission.

Alright man, thanks everyone on here that helped me out, I appreciate it, and let me know if you guys need any help with anything. Thanks again everyone.



Jim

I'd have done a 5-speed swap for the same money.

was that an insult to my judgement? lol