Tranny problems ...

[BlazinRedxDragon]

I came home from work this morning and when I got home my tranny just gave out. It was working without any problems but all of a sudden the tranny just gave out. I've been reading around the forum on what it might be and so far I've gotten the silenoid, tranny fluid, or filter. I will try to change what I can but I would like to get this fix as quick as possible. It's my only transportation. FYI ... I have a 96 Sunfire Automatic Transmission. I'd greatly appreciate any advice I can get and possibly avoid tranny replacement.

[GTP Dad]

When you say it gave out what exactly do you mean. Does it sit in one place and the engine just rev up as you try to move or does the car try to move a little bit? Do you hear whining coming from the transmission or is it quiet? Most of the above can be cause simply by a loss of fluid so the first thing to do is check the fluid level to see if it is proper. If you have a small leak that over time has caused the fluid to leak out that may be your problem. Just top off the fluid and the tranny should work again. If it is full you may have to have it towed to a tranny shop for a scan to see what is going on.

You can't go wrong by changing fluid and filter just make sure to use the correct fluid!

Welcome to AF!

[BlazinRedxDragon]

When you say it gave out what exactly do you mean. Does it sit in one place and the engine just rev up as you try to move or does the car try to move a little bit? Do you hear whining coming from the transmission or is it quiet? Most of the above can be cause simply by a loss of fluid so the first thing to do is check the fluid level to see if it is proper. If you have a small leak that over time has caused the fluid to leak out that may be your problem. Just top off the fluid and the tranny should work again. If it is full you may have to have it towed to a tranny shop for a scan to see what is going on.

They engine revs but the tranny isn't shifting into gear and regarding the whining sounds ... Nothing, All quiet. I checked the Tranny fluid and it's at proper levels. I wish I can have it towed to a tranny shop but I don't have a lot of money to spend on a Tow and having the tranny looked at. But I guess I have no choice but to cancel any Christmas presents this years in order to get a new tranny for the car bcuz it's my only car and I really need to get it running again ASAP. I am really hating this

[GTP Dad]

First of all I would check the local wrecking yards for a used one. If you don't have the money for a rebuild then you can probably get one for a few hundred dollar there. You can see what is available by searching car-part.com. I don't know if you have a 3 or 4 speed but I found a 4 speed in Fontana for $200 and a 3 speed for $250. Any mechanic can install one. Good Luck.