QuestionQUESTION: My 1999 3.1L malibu (155K miles) transmission slips/delays when shifting from Reverse to Drive. Delay is about 3 seconds, then it gently shifts into gear. There may be a slight delay when shifting from park to reverse also, but if so, the delay is very minimal. This occurs most noticeably in the morning or when the car as been off for several hours.
The transmission seems to work fine when shifting through all forward gears when in motion, although if you accelerate hard from a stop there is a rough shudder. Again, this occurs most noticeably in the morning when the trans is cold.
Filter and fluid have never been changed, per the owner's manual that states it isn't required unless there is a fluid leak somewhere. I have not been able to locate a leak.
This model does not have a transmission dipstick, so I cannot tell if the fluid is somehow low or burnt without taking the pan off. Most internet forums recommend checking fluid level/replacing filter as the first step, I planned on changing the filter and fluid this weekend in an attempt to fix problem.
Does this sound logical or are there other things to check on this particular model? Could these symptoms indicate something other than fluid level or clogged filter? What other troubleshooting steps should I take before taking to an independent trans repair shop?
Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: Hi Andrew, The first thing you want to do is drop the trans oil pan and see what condition the fluid is in. Look at the bottom of the oil pan for debris,metal etc. If there is anything in the pan and the fluid looks and smells burnt, there must be a clutch that is burnt in the trans. This would need a rebuild to repair.
If they want a lot of money to install a reman trans, maybe ask about a used trans. They really don't bad and I wouldn't be afraid of a used trans.
Hope this helps
Have a Great Day Mark
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your help Mark, now I have an update and another question for you.
I dropped the pan, here are my observations:
- Fluid is very dark, almost opaque compared to the new fluid. It didn't have a noticeable burnt smell though. I suppose some color change is to be expected after 155K miles.
- There was no sludge or debris or metal flakes noticeable, and the visible portion of the transmission and pan was much cleaner then I expected. There was a VERY thin flim present, but not what I would call alarming, but then I'm not a mechanic and have only seen the inside of one other transmission.
- I drained about 5 quarts of fluid from the transmission. Here comes the question...the auto parts store told me a transmission filter change would require about 9 quarts of fluid. Since I only drained five, I only put five back in; I didn't want to overfill. Is this the correct amount of fluid to expect? I'm guessing the other 4 quarts are still in the torque converter, that's why I didn't add more.
The transmission still delays when shifting from reverse (or park) into drive. Is there a better way to check fluid level? Is the color of the old fluid indicative of a bad transmission?
I'm, still hoping fluid level is low...is there a safe way to add more fluid without risking overfilling? Can I add a pint/quart at a time, test drive, and add more if it still delays? Or would this method potentially cause more damage?
Thanks for your answers and your time helping others on this site, I truely appreciate it.
AnswerHi Andrew, Ok lets get the fluid level to the full mark. There is a fluid level plug at the right side of the trans near the area where the right axle shaft comes out of the trans case. It is a 11mm head plug/bolt. It is about 2 inches higher then the trans oil pan and you should see it.
You need to remove this plug and start the engine, now fill the trans with fluid until it comes out of the hole. Once it is coming out put the plug back in. Yes this trans will take around 7-9 quarts with a pan removal. I can say that your still low on fluid!
Hope this helps you
Mark
