User Name
Password
AppleNova Forums » AppleOutsider »

Transmission Problem?


Register Members List Calendar Search FAQ Posting Guidelines
Transmission Problem?
Thread Tools
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 12:22

As you all may or may not know, I drive, and will continue for the near future until Apple stock does to my pleaing, a Buick Regal Custom. It's like from 88 or something.

Well I've been having a problem with the car lately, and was hoping maybe I could get some insight from you guys.

First problem is that if I stop too quickly the car stalls...it's automatic. The major problem though is if I try to accelerate too quickly, and by too quickly I mean at a normal rate to get to normal highway speed or up a hill at least the speed of a semi, it just revs the RPM's but doesn't change gears. I have to go REALLY slow to accelerate, and this is annoying, and also dangerous for when I get on the highway.

Transmission and oil look ok, but it seems to be leaking large amounts of oil. The oil level is, and has been ok for a while, even high, but like I said, it leaks fairly regularly.
  quote
billybobsky
BANNED
I am worthless beyond hope.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Inner Swabia. If you have to ask twice, don't.
 
2005-04-27, 12:40

Your trasmission is probably shot... I am sorry... there isn't anything you can do about it...
  quote
Paul
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: New York City
 
2005-04-27, 13:01

No, I wouldn't necessarily say the transmission...
I would check the fuel pump and filter...

if you leave the car in neutral can you rev the RPMs up to like 4 or 5k? (at least 2/3 of the way up the dial)

I had (have?) a similar problem with our 1997 Chevy Suburban with 178000 miles on it, but it went away recently...

How much gas do you keep in it? Have your spark plugs been replaced recently? Does it takes some effort to start the car?

1215/234215 (top .51875%)
People really have got to stop thinking there is only one operating system, one economic system, one religion, and one business model. -EvilTwinSkippy (/.)
  quote
Mister Black
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
 
2005-04-27, 13:20

Haha an 88 buick regal. Amazing that thing made it out of the 90s.
  quote
Maciej
M AH - ch ain saw
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2005-04-27, 14:07

I would definitely try what paul suggests first. The car is either not making enough power (not enough spark, fuel, or air) or your tranny is shot. I really wouldn't be surprised if it was the transmission tho... let us know.

User formally known as Sh0eWax
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 16:23

Say for instance...that there is no techometer. What would one do then?

I am going to say it's not the fuel pump since that was replaced a bit ago after we couldn't get the car to start when it ran out of fuel, even after putting gas in it.

No effort to start the car, runs...for the most part like a champ. When we got it, there were less then 80k, and more than 75k miles on it, I can't remember which.

...how do I check the spark plugs?

Like I said, I am suspecting it's the transmission, but something else would be great. So is this something that is going to gradually get worse or will the car just keep going in this messed up state until something else goes wrong?

I do plan on getting a car within the next couple of months...but I planned on getting a car a couple months ago, it keeps getting pushed back.
  quote
bassplayinMacFiend
Banging the Bottom End
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
 
2005-04-27, 16:39

If the car has no problems revving up when you step on the gas then you need to look at the transmission. From your original post it sounds like your car is spinning the flywheel but this power isn't getting to the transmission.

If you don't know what you're doing with transmissions, then bring it to a shop for an inspection. They can check your torque converter, this is where the engine's power is transferred to the transmission. It's possible the converter isn't engaging properly.

It could be something as simple as fluid/filter change or getting your bands adjusted. If you haven't kept up with your tranny fluid/filter change schedule then it'll probably blow soon after you replace these items.
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 16:42

...how do you check the torque converter?

Man, I need Apple stock to go up so bad
  quote
bassplayinMacFiend
Banging the Bottom End
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
 
2005-04-27, 16:50

Oh yeah, Google is your friend. Go a little down this page --> http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub...a072702a_3.htm and click the link that describes your symptom. Possible causes are listed for each problem.

I used 'diagnose car transmission problem' as my Google search term and this was the first link returned.
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 16:51

Yeah, I thought about doing that...but didn't.

Thanks for the link.
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 16:57

Now if I only knew which one of those problems was mine
  quote
bassplayinMacFiend
Banging the Bottom End
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
 
2005-04-27, 17:09

From your original post I went to the 'delayed or soft forward and reverse' link.

Here's the link --> http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub...a/bl_02_at.htm
  quote
Random Hero
Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2005-04-27, 17:47

Quote:
Originally Posted by bassplayinMacFiend
It's possible the converter isn't engaging properly.

It could be something as simple as fluid/filter change or getting your bands adjusted. If you haven't kept up with your tranny fluid/filter change schedule then it'll probably blow soon after you replace these items.
This was the first thing I thought of when I read your post, however I disagree with BPMF with the fuild change. If you have never changed the tranny fluid, don't. The build up in the tranmission fluid will actually help the gears grip, if they've worn over time than changing to fresh fluid will cause them to slip. However if you used to change it regularly then go ahead.

The amount of labor that would be required to change or even check a converter wouldn't probably be worth the value of the car, but your mileage will vary.

No awkward goodbyes. No 'still friends' bullshit. Just a couple of bruised titties and a failed relationship. I rule.
  quote
bassplayinMacFiend
Banging the Bottom End
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
 
2005-04-27, 20:32

Quote:
Originally Posted by Random Hero
This was the first thing I thought of when I read your post, however I disagree with BPMF with the fuild change. If you have never changed the tranny fluid, don't. The build up in the tranmission fluid will actually help the gears grip, if they've worn over time than changing to fresh fluid will cause them to slip. However if you used to change it regularly then go ahead.
That's actually what I was trying to say in my earlier post, if you've never changed the tranny fluid, don't do it now.
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-27, 20:41

Well I'm going to guess it has never been changed.

My dad measured it, but viewing from the sideline, it looks black...like the oil, but maybe I'm wrong
  quote
ThunderPoit
Making sawdust
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Minnesota
 
2005-04-28, 08:05

woah, your tranny fluid is black!!??!?! it should be pink or red, if its black, ur tranny is the problem
  quote
ast3r3x
25 chars of wasted space.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via AIM to ast3r3x  
2005-04-28, 08:21

I'll ask my dad, but from where I was, it looked black. I could be completly wrong though, I was across the car, and the dipstick could just have given it a black look.
  quote
bassplayinMacFiend
Banging the Bottom End
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
 
2005-04-28, 08:52

Quote:
Originally Posted by ast3r3x
I'll ask my dad, but from where I was, it looked black. I could be completly wrong though, I was across the car, and the dipstick could just have given it a black look.
Wipe some on a white paper napkin and look at the color there. If it is black, *shudder*.
  quote
Maciej
M AH - ch ain saw
 
Join Date: May 2004
 
2005-04-28, 11:36

LoL, usually it gets changed the moment it starts turning brown...
  quote
Posting Rules Navigation
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Post Reply

Forum Jump
Thread Tools
Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Question about IBook problem and Applecare mdeloria Genius Bar 6 2005-03-23 17:27
Annoying Calculator Problem Bryson Genius Bar 2 2005-02-27 18:18
iBook Airport problem RolandG Genius Bar 1 2004-08-05 13:49
Brother printer problem azaza Genius Bar 1 2004-08-03 09:18
Serious problem, Help or advice needed. stevegong Genius Bar 20 2004-07-27 21:04


« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:28.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2024, AppleNova