Transmission Failing?

My wifes car is a 01 GT with the 3800 engine. the transmission just started doing something that is not good news. When it is first driven (after sitting about 10 hours or so), it will not go into reverse. If the throttle is revved a bit, it will slam into gear. So, I didn't do that again. If I rev the engine in park for a bit, then put it in reverse, it will go into gear like normal. Once the car has been driven, it works normally throughout the day, until the next morning, or at the end of the work day.

I changed the tranny fluid. It was a little darker than new & smelled a bit. Not too bad considering the fluid had 65K miles on it. But, as I feared, that didn't help a bit.

Is this a pressure issue? And can it possibly be repaired, or is the tranny toast? I ran my snap on scanner on it, & there are no codes set. Are there any diagnostic test I can do in trouble shooting mode with the scanner? I know engines, but I am a transmission dummy.

Thanks, 68RT

To check the transmission you will need a scanner capable of reading trans codes. Most of the ones for engine codes will not do this. Take the car to a trans shop and have them scan the computer. They will be able to tell you what is wrong within a couple of minutes. It may be something minor that is causing the problem.

I have a snap on MT2500, that is updated through 2002, it has full Engine, transmission, & ABS diagnostics. I scrolled through the menus, but seeing I don't know what's "normal" It doesn't mean too much to me. No codes in transmsion mode.

I guess if nothing is obvious, I'll have to bring it in. Just thought maybe somebody might have an idea what I can check with it, & maybe has run into the same thing.

does is not engage in "D" either? In the older trans it was common for the input piston seal to go bad.

does is not engage in "D" either? In the older trans it was common for the input piston seal to go bad.


Thats a good question. I'll check it in a few minutes. Its always backed out of the garage, or out of a parking spot first thing, so thats never been tried.

I'll post back.

Thanks

does is not engage in "D" either? In the older trans it was common for the input piston seal to go bad.

Yep, same thing in Drive. Start the car, throw it in drive, nothing for about 3-4 seconds, then it goes into drive, but a rather hard engagement. Once it gets into gear, Then its back to normal. From park, reverse, etc. Goes into gear right away. like normal. Or at least until it sits for many hours again.

Troy1 is our resident trans expert and I would take his advice over mine, but in the K.I.S.S. principle mode of thinking, have you ever changed the filter, and what does the fluid look/smell like?

The fluid has a bit of a burnt smell, but not bad. It was more to the redish maybe a hint of brown, but not pink. The car has 125K miles on it. My wife drives it around 90 miles per day on the hwy.

Last tranny flush was at 70K miles, I think it was a little dark at the time if I remember correctly. I have never changed the filter. Just disconnected the radiator line & ran about 3 gallons of fluid through it.

Time to drop the pan and change the filter.

I would say something happened to that seal. So I would be finding a reputable trans shop and get it checked out. Ask around get some word of mouth advertising.