Porsche Repair: automatic transmission trouble, automatic transmission trouble, home mechanics

Question
i own an '83 944 with automatic transmission...about four days ago i started to notice a little "sluggishness" when the car shifted gears at low speeds...it became more promient over the last two days and will now not move in any gear (drive, 2, 1, reverse)...

possible causes?  possible remedies?

thanks


Answer
Hi cutter,

I'm hoping for your sake the problem is easily checked for and fixable.  Otherwise, there's quite a bit of labor costs involved in a remove/rebuild/replace transmission.

The easiest to check for is also the most likely cause...and in this case consistent with your description of the symptoms.  Check the fluid level while the engine is idling as close to normal operating temperature as you can...recognizing with your current situation it's a little tough to drive around the block to warm up the car.  Anyway, while the car is idling and in Park check the fluid level...and check it again until you're quite sure about the reading.  You'll want to see the level very close to the "hot" mark, meaning the fluid has been warmed through use to normal operating temperature and has expanded in volume all it is going to.  Any fluid level shortage should be replaced a couple glugs at a time...as a little fluid can make a fairly large level change.  You don't want to have to drain any out because you overfilled it.

The second most likely cause is that the filter inside the transmission is full of gunk and can't filter anymore.  Once you do the fluid level test you'll begin to get a feel for whether you want to tackle the filter test.  It's more involved and messy, but well within the capabilities of home mechanics.  Write back to me with what you find, especially the color of the fluid.  Rate it on how sexy the color would be as fingernail polish for a beautiful woman.  If you're up to checking the filter I'll discuss that with you next time.

Dave