No real warning. Noticed the car was reluctant to go into first on the way to work today but this happens on and off with 4th gens anyway. The real problem started on the way home. The car refused to start in first gear, only in second. Reverse is not working either.

Questions:

1. Is it okay to drive the car with no 1st gear? If so, for how long? Could this cause additional problems?

2. Since I'm in NJ, Level10's complete service seems to be the best choice now, right? Are there any feasible alternatives?

3. If you had this or any services done by L10, please post or email me at jwengert@rcn.com. I need pricing for their various services and group deals currently in effect or any other info!

Jim

 

I don't think the tranny is completely fried. Besides a L10 rebuild is gonna be close to $3,000 (if not more).

Have you done a MIL reading? lights may not be flashing, but run it anyway.

Is the fluid burnt? (smell it)

Gimme some more details....Does it only do it hot (or normal temps), or all the time (like in the morning)....

You can email me direct if you want....gimme the details

 

Don,

It was definitly more noticable in the afternoon but the car sat long enough to be cool before I left work. I went to a class tonight so it sat for another 3 hours before I drove home. Symptoms were the same as described above.

I wouldn't mind doing the L10 work ($3264) if it means that the tranny will truly be 'bulletproof' as they call it (http://www.levelten.com). I don't have access to the MIL computer but there are no idiot light lit on the dash.

Let me go out and check the fluid.

Jim

 

Don,

Trans fluid does smell burnt and is a brownish pink now. I drove the car about 150 miles today. Is it okay to keep driving it like this? I don't want to make it worse but I'm pretty sure the whole thing is history.

Jim

 

Hey Don, check your email, I am ready now. -Drew