Tranny problem
HeloPlt35
08-28-2006, 10:16 PM
After searching through many threads about tranny problems, I haven't found one that adequately answers the questions to my problem. Hopefully one/several of you have an answer.
First of all, I drive a '95 Cutlass Supreme w/ the 3.1L and has 80k miles on it. About a week ago, shortly after starting out and getting the engine up to normal operating temp, I accelerated from a stop and the tranny wouldn't shift into 2nd, 3rd, or OD unless I eased way up on the throttle or completely let off. I stopped, made sure I had fluid, and took off again to get home a couple miles away. Didn't do it again. Drove it a few more times (short distance) and had no more problems. Then, on a 15 mi trip, I had the acceleration problem and after a few miles at about 60-65, the tranny started slipping severely. I would accelerate and the rpm went faster but the car slowed down. Easing up on the throttle would let it grab again, then would start to slip when accelerating. On starting up, it would actually shift now, but starting out was slower because the tranny was slipping. I parked for the afternoon and on the way home had no problems.
The next day, I went to Pueblo from Colo Springs (@ 40 mi) and half way there, the tranny started slipping again. Accelerating made it worse, slowing down allowed it to catch again, then accelerating would cause it to slip. I slowed way down and pulled over. Cycling through the gearshift had no effect, fast or slow speed. In fact, it wouldn't even downshift while slowing and putting it in lower gears. I started out again, and acceleration was sluggish due to the slipping and I was running at 65 mph at 4500 rpm. Didn't shift out of 2nd. Stopping at the light at the off-ramp, I noticed some smoke coming up between the hood and windshield. Not thick and it didn't smell like burning clutch. May just have been some oil/fluid burning off the outside of the engine/tranny. The car wouldn't accelerate until the rpm's hit about 4000, then the tranny would kick in slowly. Made it to a parking lot and stopped. Thought after it cooled down completely it would go again. Nothing.
There is plenty of fluid and although it was a shade dirty before, it is now looking like slightly used motor oil. There is no burned smell to it, though.
Any thoughts/opinions/diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.
First of all, I drive a '95 Cutlass Supreme w/ the 3.1L and has 80k miles on it. About a week ago, shortly after starting out and getting the engine up to normal operating temp, I accelerated from a stop and the tranny wouldn't shift into 2nd, 3rd, or OD unless I eased way up on the throttle or completely let off. I stopped, made sure I had fluid, and took off again to get home a couple miles away. Didn't do it again. Drove it a few more times (short distance) and had no more problems. Then, on a 15 mi trip, I had the acceleration problem and after a few miles at about 60-65, the tranny started slipping severely. I would accelerate and the rpm went faster but the car slowed down. Easing up on the throttle would let it grab again, then would start to slip when accelerating. On starting up, it would actually shift now, but starting out was slower because the tranny was slipping. I parked for the afternoon and on the way home had no problems.
The next day, I went to Pueblo from Colo Springs (@ 40 mi) and half way there, the tranny started slipping again. Accelerating made it worse, slowing down allowed it to catch again, then accelerating would cause it to slip. I slowed way down and pulled over. Cycling through the gearshift had no effect, fast or slow speed. In fact, it wouldn't even downshift while slowing and putting it in lower gears. I started out again, and acceleration was sluggish due to the slipping and I was running at 65 mph at 4500 rpm. Didn't shift out of 2nd. Stopping at the light at the off-ramp, I noticed some smoke coming up between the hood and windshield. Not thick and it didn't smell like burning clutch. May just have been some oil/fluid burning off the outside of the engine/tranny. The car wouldn't accelerate until the rpm's hit about 4000, then the tranny would kick in slowly. Made it to a parking lot and stopped. Thought after it cooled down completely it would go again. Nothing.
There is plenty of fluid and although it was a shade dirty before, it is now looking like slightly used motor oil. There is no burned smell to it, though.
Any thoughts/opinions/diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.
xeroinfinity
08-29-2006, 09:22 AM
Has the fluid and filter ever been changed on the transmision?
Sounds like you are going to need a tow to a trany shop :bigthumb:
Good Luck!
Sounds like you are going to need a tow to a trany shop :bigthumb:
Good Luck!
HeloPlt35
08-29-2006, 04:24 PM
Don't know. I'm the second owner (I think). I bought the car in 2000(?) and have put only around 30k mi on it. It ran fine up until last week when I had the first of the problems. The tranny fluid was just a little dirty and I was going to have it changed or do it myself right about now, as it's due for a LOF anyway.
xeroinfinity
08-29-2006, 05:48 PM
I'd try for the fluid & filter change asap.
If that doesnt help you are probly going to need some trany repairs, they are pricy.
Oh ya, you find out why it was smoking?
If that doesnt help you are probly going to need some trany repairs, they are pricy.
Oh ya, you find out why it was smoking?
HeloPlt35
08-29-2006, 06:32 PM
Nope. Haven't been able to see in there well yet. I imagine it's cause I was going 65mph/4500rpm for a while and things just got hot.
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