Auto Parts: Sunshell, drive ratios, pep boys

Question
I have a 94 Pontiac 4dr Grand Prix. I've had a problem with the transmission.  I have no reverse, but i do have 1st and 2nd gear.  The mechanic says that the "sunshell" may have gone bad.  I've never heard of that before.  What is a sunshell and where is it located, and can I do the job myself?

Answer
Hi Rolando,

Makes two of us. I think the guy either doesn't know what he's talking about, exactly, or he's trying to convince you he does by explaining to you that a part that you didn't know existed, has broken.

There is something called a planetary-set inside the transmission. It consists of five gears. A 'sun' gear in the center and four smaller gears, inside a small cage, revolves around the sun gear, hence the 'planetary-set' name. The purpose of the planetary-set is to control the input and output final-drive ratios and reverse the output direction of the torque. If the planetary set goes bad, your vehicle stops moving. There is no half-way point. It absolutely controls ALL motion.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php