2000 Olds. Alero Transmission Help!

[bobbyhotel]

Let me first say thanks in advance to anyone who will take the time to answer my loaded question.
I also looked for topics similar to mine and was unable to do so, so I then looked for a forum with the most recent posts in order to get a quick response. It seemed that this one could do so, because I have a time-sensitive problem.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero/6cyl.-3.4/68,000mi./Auto Trans. (No Dash Indicator Lights are on)

Oh Boy, where to start...
A while ago my girlfriends Alero was leaking coolant, so I had a friend who used to work for GM fix the lower intake gasket. Well...time between getting it fixed the car started to not shift past 2nd. and wouldn't go past 50mph. (RPM high) So I knew..transmition. My friend said he would look at it after he fixed the other problem. He said he couldn't figure it out (tried to manually shift, checked fuse's) and no longer had the equip to diagnos the problem, so he sent me to a company (AATCO Transmission) to find out whats wrong.
They did a test drive and called me today to tell me that they knew by driving it that it was an internal problem and they would have to take it apart to find out what was wrong. This would cost me $405, then if they re-built it they would deduct that from the overall cost. I asked if he did a comp. diagnostic check and he said there was no point. (AATCO is a reputable co.)

My questions are as follows:
1. Was this the right process?
2. Should I still get a diagnostic test? (Cottman Trans. offers "free" check.)
3. Am I able to know what is wrong with trans. then be able to get it fixed?
4. Could it be a small problem ie: dirty filter, coil etc..or is it definitely in need of major repair?
5. Should I buy a re-built one myself? (friend can put it in for cheap)
6. We owe more than what its worth so if I get one myself...can I trust that it will last over 2yrs.?

Any suggestions would help, since I know nothing about cars. AAA won't tow it but one more time and don't have a lot of money to spend. I would like to thank anyone who will take the time to answer such a loaded question. If you need anymore info...please ask and I will do my best.

[vgames33]

I know your friend checked it out for you, but did he happen to check the fluid level? I've heard of low fluid causing some of the problems that you mentioned.

Other than that, I don't know much about transmissions.

[bobbyhotel]

Yes he did, and so did the transmission shop that has it now. I just want to know what the proper way to diagnos a transmission problem is. Thanks though.

[bobbyhotel]

Ok...I'm just going to buy a used transmission and have my friend put it in. I can get one for $412 (incl. ship) with 21,000K, 2yr. parts warranty. Is that good?

[jehiatt]

Originally Posted by bobbyhotel

Let me first say thanks in advance to anyone who will take the time to answer my loaded question.
I also looked for topics similar to mine and was unable to do so, so I then looked for a forum with the most recent posts in order to get a quick response. It seemed that this one could do so, because I have a time-sensitive problem.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero/6cyl.-3.4/68,000mi./Auto Trans. (No Dash Indicator Lights are on)

Oh Boy, where to start...
A while ago my girlfriends Alero was leaking coolant, so I had a friend who used to work for GM fix the lower intake gasket. Well...time between getting it fixed the car started to not shift past 2nd. and wouldn't go past 50mph. (RPM high) So I knew..transmition. My friend said he would look at it after he fixed the other problem. He said he couldn't figure it out (tried to manually shift, checked fuse's) and no longer had the equip to diagnos the problem, so he sent me to a company (AATCO Transmission) to find out whats wrong.
They did a test drive and called me today to tell me that they knew by driving it that it was an internal problem and they would have to take it apart to find out what was wrong. This would cost me $405, then if they re-built it they would deduct that from the overall cost. I asked if he did a comp. diagnostic check and he said there was no point. (AATCO is a reputable co.)

My questions are as follows:
1. Was this the right process?
2. Should I still get a diagnostic test? (Cottman Trans. offers "free" check.)
3. Am I able to know what is wrong with trans. then be able to get it fixed?
4. Could it be a small problem ie: dirty filter, coil etc..or is it definitely in need of major repair?
5. Should I buy a re-built one myself? (friend can put it in for cheap)
6. We owe more than what its worth so if I get one myself...can I trust that it will last over 2yrs.?

Any suggestions would help, since I know nothing about cars. AAA won't tow it but one more time and don't have a lot of money to spend. I would like to thank anyone who will take the time to answer such a loaded question. If you need anymore info...please ask and I will do my best.

xx
I have run into this already because I ran my chevy van hot without knowing it had no water. After the cooling repair I have a whine in the transmission and the fluid has a burnt smell. Change the transmission filter and fluid. - not just flush it. THe lack of cooling in the radiator overheated the transmission fluid cooler in the radiator. The overheating burns and thickens the transmission fluid. So! What's $50 compared to 2-3 k for another trans?

[INF3RN0666]

Let me tell you something about transmissions buddy. A rebuild is NEVER as good as the original. Don't let any bullshitter tell you otherwise. Mechanics who think they're all high and mighty will brag about how they've "rebuilt transmissions to a LIKE NEW state". I've had 3 cars, and one went through 4 transmissions, one went through 2, and this one is on the second. Rebuilds always fail prematurely. Nothing is better than new, but the next best thing is used with a warranty . Used trannys are cheaper, last longer, and at least the work is guaranteed.

The proper way to diagnose a transmission is the following:
-Check the fluid for the right type, level, smell, colour, and bubbles.
-Test drive to get a feel for the problem.
-If it's stuck in limp mode and refuses to shift, then check for codes & reset the computer and test drive it again.
-If it's rough shifting, miss-shifting, or slipping then it needs to be replaced. Sometimes you can fix parts like the Booster Valve or the Pressure Solenoid --> will help for a while.
-If it's still stuck in limp mode, then there's a busted sensor (hard to diagnose).

[UncleBob]

the tranny being stuck in 2nd gear is what is called "limp mode". The ECU is sensing something wrong and limiting it to one gear

I'm not much for tranny diagnostics, but I would be leary of having them take it apart, just going by your list of symptoms and events leading upto it.

I'd get a second opinion