2000 Pontiac Montana Transmission Problems

[aling]

When engine first started, everything seemed to work fine. About 30 seconds later, the gears seem to be disconnected; no drive at all.

This problem could be repeated; only the first 30 seconds, the transmission is working, after that, nothing works, no reverse, no drives!

By the way, my 2000 Montana has fuel Send Unit problem, could it be related? But, I have this problem for 4 years now!

Any suggestions what might go wrong and how to fix it?


Thanks.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Did you check to make sure the fluid level is correct? Unfortunately, it sounds like you may have an internal issue with the transmission. I would take it or have it towed to a tranny shop and have them scan the computer. They will be able to tell you what is going on within a matter of minutes.

The sending unit problem will not effect the transmission.

[aling]

Thanks GTP Dad,

Towed my minivan to Pontiac car dealer, the mechanic did not use the computer to scan the engine and I was told that by the sound of the engine and symptom, it was the internal transmission problem and recommended me to replace the transmission for a repair bill of $4K.

I had heard a similar problem from a friend of mine. He had the same problem and the dealer diagnosed it was transmission problem (3K-4K to fix). He then took the diagnostic report and got a garage to repair for $1,400. A few weeks later, with a brand new transmission, the same thing happen and only later, it was found that it was the sensor causing the problem. My friend wasn't sure what sensor was it, but, that sensor did fix all the transmission problem.

Do you what sensor could it be? How many sensors are involved in transmission system? Could it refer to crank shaft sensor?

Thanks!