Transmission problem..with video

[93plygravoyse]

93 Plymouth grand voyager SE..makes this sound after idling for about 15 mins. when cold trans works fine up to about five miles. When warm it loses drive,reverse etc.. and makes the sound you hear on the video..fluid reads full when warm..tonight it always reads in "hot" range even when cold? it will jerk into gear when I rev it up but not stay. Anybody have any clue what this problem could be? Thanks

[93plygravoyse]

I had a shop do the brakes a little while back and they also did a pan drop because the pan gasket was leaking..I did not know how sensitive these transmissions were to the wrong fluid and suspect they put the wrong fluid in as it didn't shift as before they did it..is it worth it for me to change the filter and fluid? the only reason I ask is because like i said it does not have any issues until warm..where would be the best place to buy the ATF and what kind/brand and how much?..thanks

[plymouthsrock]

It sounds (literally) like the pump is running dry, causing the whining sound and other symptoms you describe. It is possible that the filter installation was done improperly, possibly dislodging (or forgetting) the o-ring in the process. The pump is sucking air instead of fluid, which is why the level does not go down on the dipstick.

[plymouthsrock]

Oh yes, use ATF+4 fluid only.

[93plygravoyse]

thank you so much for the reply..where is the best place to buy atf+4 dealer? autozone? action auto parts? schucks..does it matter? how much should I buy for just dropping pan/filter change?

[mustanger999]

How many miles does it have? You may need to have your tranny replaced or rebuilt. Chrysler/Dodge/Plymoth is notorious for their trannies going out at around 60k miles.

[93plygravoyse]

160,000

[plymouthsrock]

Capacity should be 4 quarts, and the fluid should be available at any parts store. Close attention should be paid to the filter/valve body mating (no debris, old o rings, etc.)

[93plygravoyse]

**UPDATE** I dropped the pan and changed the filter and what fluid came out..here are some pics of the drained fluid and filter tell me what you think..no big ass chunks of metal found

[plymouthsrock]

Don't know if it's the camera, but the fluid looks suspect- either completely aerated, or contaminated, or the wrong type. If it's aerated, it should have settled out by the time you drained it. Compare it to the new fluid you have.

[MagicRat]

I agree, the fluid is obviously contaminated. The appearance is consistent with fine aluminum particles, like an aluminum dust mixed in with the fluid.

The video clearly shows the sound of a transmission pump that is failing. These pumps are rotating and pumping whenever the engine is running, regardless of the gear selected. The pump housing is aluminum. The scraping/whining noise is most likely rotating components within the housing that is eroding the housing itself, and pumping the fine metal particles throughout the transmission.

These particles are now everywhere in the transmission, eroding components and affecting the ability of components like clutch packs and bands to hold pressure and do their job, hence the slipping or loss of gears.

This transmission requires a complete rebuild or a replacement. I am not sure if incorrect fluid would cause this; my guess is that it is not related and the problem simply stems from wear and tear.
160,000 miles is a reasonably long lifespan for any transmission, especially a Chrysler.