1998 tranny question=

[jamesmetairie]

1998 ,3.1 has about 165,000 miles. Never changed the transmission fluid.
Occasionally when I parked at a stop light when I get the green to go I give it gas and hear the engine rev but the car does not move. Usually I slip it down into regular "drive" and then all is ok. then put it back into overdrive later.
Is this one of the symptoms of a transmsssion that,s about to totally fail?

[maxwedge]

Is it full, is the fluid dark and burnt?

[jeffcoslacker]

Sounds kinda like a valve body and/or solenoid failure coming.

If I got that kinda miles out of a trans without servicing it, I'd feel blessed.

If it's mine, I'm gonna do pan drop/filter replacement/one quart of Trans-X and see what happens. It'll either fix it or kill it off for good.

Anyone tries to tell you to get a full fluid exchange/flush tell them no thanks. Quickest way I've discovered to destroy a marginal transmission. Partial fluid change only, just what you get out of the pan. Reuse the OE gasket, way better than that POS they give you with the filter kit.

[jamesmetairie]

thanks guys.
it,ll be the fingers crossed method.
makes for exciting road trips .

[jamesmetairie]

maxwedge
yes. the level is good. i had this car since it had 44,000 miles and never put one drop of a/t fliud in it. it never leaks .
the a/t fliud is slightly discolored and it smells used.

[maxwedge]

Sounds like it may try to start in 3rd gear default or it is just slipping, get ready for some internal issues.