96 SL1 tranny?

[NeilGH]

1996 SL1, 146,000 miles.

Today, it shuddered going into reverse, sort of revved high and kicked in. Then, going up a hill, it was as if the brakes were slammed on for an instant, the wheels even screeched quickly, then it kept going.....(Check engine light came on then and is still on)
It seemed that the trans was slipping to my son who was driving it.... Later after it cooled I tested it out.
Reverse is gone completely now, as in you put it in reverse, and it will rev but not move. We pushed it back and took it for a drive, it didnt seem to slip, but we werent going far....

Just to confuse the issue, about 6 months ago, it shuddered into reverse, and actually ran poorly for about 10 minutes, with check engine light. I mean it was running like it had a major miss. this time around, no misses though.

Trans fluid is a nice color, not aerated, and maybe a litttle low...it registered just above the add mark.

IVe heard of actuator valve problems, etc.....could this be a minor gremlin or a major job?
Does it sound like the Tranny is toasted?


I have never replaced a transverse mounted transaxle, although I am damn good with a wrench. (Have rebuilt engines, swapped trannys on my old Mopars, I build motorcycles etc....super gear head.)

I can get a used trans cheap, just trying to decide if I should attempt the repair....

[PlayStation3]

yea it sounds toasted