323 auto trany problems

[Travis_528]

Shift though all the gear fine in Drive but will not engage in reverse. If you put it in reverse it act's like it's in park. If the car is in neutral it won't roll freely, and if you give it gas it will drive forward. Fluid has been flushed and replaced and I have installed a new trans filter. Please help me with my problem if you can think of what is causing this behavor.

[phlygirl1437]

Ouch. I had this happen to me not long ago in a 2001 Chevy Malibu (41k on the clock). Same exact symptoms plus different revving characteristics (i.e., only revving up to 1800rpm instead of up to 4000rpm while in park or neutral), although the performance of the car while in Drive was unaffected. What's basically happened to your tranny is that it somehow got stuck in Drive, usually because of some pretty abusive operation. Mine came about from doing stupid reverse-drops. Cost $1700 for repair, and only because I know someone in the tranny repair business. Chevy dealer wanted $2000.

If you can, you might as well just scavenge the salvage yards and find a 323 with your tranny, rip it out of there, and replace it yourself. You'll save a lot of money that way.