93 Skylark Trans. Problems

[dostie1]

I have a 93 buick skylark, with a 3t40 transmission, the problem that I am having is that, when i first start up my car and go into gear ( D ), i hear a clicking noise, loud too, and i also noticed that sometimes it does not go into gear when i have it in D, also when i stop at a stop sign and i press the gas, it may not be in gear and will suddenly go into gear hard and then take off, or it may start off but in 2nd gear. during all that i always keep hearing this clicking noise of some sort, once it gets into 2nd and 3rd it stops though and everything goes fine, i've noticed the clicking noice before but it did not effect the performance of the car, just once in a great while when i would first start up my car i would hear it but once i went into gear and there was pressure on the drivetrain it would stop. Yet this only happened maybe once every like 6 months or so. i havent noticed any slipping, this all just started tonight. Plus if i have it in gear, and just rolling forward and the clicking is going on, i can feel the car catch or something, like when your rotors are gone when you put on your brakes and the car shakes but not nearly as intense, like if you are slightly applying the brakes then letting off quickly. if you need anymore info please let me know, thanks!

[MissRott]

Hi,
I have the same car and was hearing that same loud knocking noise. When I looked under my hood the alternator was shaking so I thought that was the problem. So I took it to have the alternator re-built. The mechanic called a little bit later and said that it was not the alternator, but the HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY/ CRANK SHAFT PULLEY. I had been to many mechanics and this part was never even suggested. Lotsa $$ down the drain. But I got the harmonic balancer replaced and WOW! What an amazing difference! My car is finally running great. Look into this part. It may be what you're looking for. The part was only $120 and depending on the mechanic you go to, it should only be around $200-$250+ with labor. A lot cheaper than a new tranny!
Hope this helps ya!

~Miss Rotten