Tranny Issues

My tranny isn't performing like it used to. I noticed at WOT, it doesn't shift when its suppose to (especially 2-3) (A4: 4L60E). It hits the rev limiter a few times and then finally shifts when it let off a little on the throttle. Under normal driving, the tranny works fine. Shifts fine, doesn't slip, and is still smooth. Another thing is when I manually downshift into a lower gear, my RPM's go down like I am in neutral and rev freely until I hit the RPM that it needs to pull the car. When I used to do this, you could feel the motor wind down when I put it in a lower gear. You could basically 'feel' the torque waiting there to be unleashed) And then the throttle response would be incredible. But now, it feels like its in neutral until a certain RPM. It has barely over 102K miles. What could it be? Could a broken tranny mount cause this abnormal operation? Do you think some much-needed tranny fluid could be the problem?

First, the common question to start answering your question: what' sup with the fluid? (color/level/smell)

At 102K the filter and fluid should have been about 20k ago. IF, and I mean IF the fluid is brown and silty looking you could do a filter and fluid swap (replace a qt. of ATF with lucas) and you might get lucky.

On the other hand, if the fluid looks and smells like the bottom of a pot coffee that's been on the burner for a bit, you'd be f-u-b-a-r.

does it have a tv cable too?

neh, 4L60E uses input from the VSS.

ok, looks like I have no suggestions to offer then.

Ok, well I'll check the tranny fluid in a couple days when the weather is not so wet.

So, I just checked my tranny fluid. It looked dirty, just like engine oil after 3K miles. Didn't smell like much until I practically put it on my nose. Can't describe its scent though. Should I get it changed and see what happens or is it already fucked?

doesn't sound promising.

Damnit, that's not what I wanted to hear. Well, there are a couple transmisison specialist shops in my area. I guess I'll try one of them. I think I just might wait until next spring because I am getting ready to put the car up for the winter. No sense in doing all of this just to put it up for awhile.

Well, it's a crap shoot. You really need to determine if it's gritty, if it is, that's the friction disk material from your clutch packs floating around in the fluid, not where it belongs, but at least it's there, BUTonce you crack that pan open and that fluid is gone, so is the material and inevtiable failure not too far behind.

It's your call and you know how it's been driven. Me , I would go forth in sin, with nothing to lose, the miles aren't that high on it, and if there just a hint of grit, that's normal, and I would add a bottle or so of a ATF anti-slip additive like Lucas. The transaxle on my Buick was toast, and I mean burnt ass toast, when I bought it, and I got about a good 2 years out of it before I had to overhaul it completely. That said, if you decide to go forth with it, I would not concider it "fixed" when it's all said and done and shop around for a long term solution :2cents:

I checked it twice and didn't see any grit or dirt in it. It looked debris-free to me. I think that's why I think that all it needs is a fluid flush and fill. But I checked the website of the shop I was considering and they do a free diagnostic check of all the components and a road test. So, I may look into that, well, because its free. And at the very least I can get the fluid and filter changed out. But if they don't have good news for me, the car is gone, sad to say. This particular car has been a lot of problems for me over the last few years or so.

Dude, do it yourself :thumbsup: I wouldn't wnat a full on flush anyway at this point. :dunno:

I honestly don't know how to do it myself. Never have done it before. I know I have to drain it from somewhere, but where? And where do I pour the fluid back in? And...where/how do I change the filter? If I can answer these, I will try it myself next spring.

I checked the website of the shop I was considering and they do a free diagnostic check of all the components and a road test. So, I may look into that, well, because its free. And at the very least I can get the fluid and filter changed out.

I think that this is the most sensible approach. Have it checked out by a professional - that way you know exactly where you stand and what needs to be done. It will likely cost you less in the long run anyway to just have it done right and forget about it

Been seeing alot of folks getting raped by trans shops lately (self included), so maybe I'm being biased.

It surely can happen - there are a lot of crooks out there.
Best advise is try to establish some sort of one on one communication with the mechanic if you can and put a more personal spin on things ( that way you are a "real" person not just a repair ticket)

Also it never hurts to get a second opinion , especially if the estimate is high or you are not sure. That way you have someting to base your decision as to wich shop you place your trust. If the 2 repair diagnosis are vastly different then somebody is yanking your chain.

Oh I hear you all the way. :thumbsup: The GTA I (we, sorry dear) just got came complete with trans problems but was under warrenty, so we no choice to deal with these guys.

My favorite: $31 for 2 gallons of gas in a car they couldn't seem to get started. :screwy:

Yeah, I'll try and be careful of who I deal with. It would help if I had more knowledge on tranny's, but I don't...haha.
I'm gonna have to wait til spring anyhow and see what happens.

a tranny service is really not that hard to do. what tranny u have again a 4L60E? they are simple just slowly remove the bolts from the pan and have most of the fluid drain into a bucket then drop the whole pan off and give her a good clean. to remove the filter its as simple as grab-twist-pull (literally) u take the filter pull it down gently twist or rotate it and it slips out (its just an o-ring really holding it in) then give the valve body a good wipe, put a little grease on the new filter and slide her in then put some lucas anti-slip in the pan and put it back on with the new gasket. to fill u add about 4L of tranny fluid and check it while running in park then add as needed. and ur good as gold.

and yes when i was a newb to cars i was bent over my car by a tranny shop:evillol: for my 95 grandprix. its not fun so now i do everything my self and it really is not that hard at all. any more questions or if u want a more detailed procedure just ask my friend:iceslolan

I have to agree with the (Take it to a professional ) approach. Not all Transmission shops are going to burn you. And sometimes reported rapes are just due to the fact that it is expensive to rebuild some of the transmissions that are in modern vehicles. Ask around and get some input about shops in your area this winter. Sounds like you have the time. By next spring you will have found a qualified technician that can make sure your car is ready for the summer. Good luck!

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to call around early next year and get quotes for basic service all the way up to a replacement swap and see what turns up. I may try to service the tranny myself, but we'll see where I am next spring. I'm just hoping that the fluid will take care of whatever the problem is, because if it is any bigger than that, I'm gonna have to sell it. I'm not too happy with that.