Question: 1994 Ford Explorer V6 mileage: 72,000.  When I first startup and put it in gear and give it gas, it doesn't move for a few seconds then I feel jerking feeling.  Can this be a transmission problem?  Thank you

Answer: Your transmission may be ready for service.  Replacing the filter and fluid may correct the problem.

Question: 1990 BMW 525i 6 cyl mileage: 140,000.  My BMW 525i has started to pop out of first gear occasionally. What do you think is wrong?

Answer: The reason your transmission pops out of first gear is probably because of a worn synchromesh in the transmission.  To replace it, requires disassembling the transmission.

Question: 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 mileage: 96,000.  At 80,000 miles, I had the transmission serviced.  Ever since then, when going over 50 mph, it will not shift into gear.  At first, I was able to speed up and the tranny would finally "fall" into gear.  Now it is at 4000 rpm's going 50 mph!  After reading about Jeeps on the Internet, I see this is a VERY common problem but what exactly is causing it?  And, what should I do from here short of selling it?  Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Question: 1997 GMC sierra 4x4 4.3 liter mileage: 48,000.  When driving long trips (>100 miles) the transmission begins slipping, and gradually gets worst.  When I checked the fluid it appeared foamy, I added trans. Fluid and the problem went away for about a week.  The trans only slips when the engine is hot.  I took the truck to the dealer and of course, it wasn’t slipping, they replaced the fluid and filters.   Is this indicative of a coolant leak?  Thanks for your help!  Rick

Answer:   The problem with your transmission fluid foaming may have been caused by a low fluid level.  When the fluid is low, air gets into the system, which causes the foam.  In your question, you stated that the dealer replaced the filter and fluid and we assume it was okay after that.  What you have described does not sound like coolant leaking into the transmission fluid.  If it were, the foam would look like a strawberry milkshake.   Check the transmission fluid once a week for several months to monitor the fluid level.

Question: 1994 Dodge Caravan 3.0 mileage: 75,000.  Dear 2Carpros, this morning my minivan, which had not been started for two days, started fine and I let it idle for 20 minutes.  The temperature was about -2.  However, when I put it in gear it would not go anywhere, in any gear.  The shift lever felt the same as always, so it did not feel like a bad cable.   I let it sit and took the other car to work.   At noon, I went home and the minivan then worked ok and I drove it to work.  The temperature was only about 10 degrees then.  I do not understand what was going on and if this is something to be concerned about or can be fixed.  Your advice is appreciated.  Your column is an excellent service.

Answer:   Your transmission may be ready for service.  Replacing the filter and fluid may correct the problem.  If it does not, you may be in the tank for a new transmission.

Question: 1985 Plymouth Voyager 2.6.  There is strawberry ice cream colored foam on dipstick where it seals in the hole.  Does not start off in low gear -shifts erratic.  Been having reoccurring trouble with three transmissions.   Am using Dextron III.  Changed cooler twice. Any suggestions.

Answer:   Usually foaming transmission fluid is a result of the fluid level being to low or to high, or possibly moisture or water present in the fluid.

Question: 1990 Chevrolet APV  (van) 3.1 V6.   I have a 90' Chevy Lumina van.  I knew it was one quart low on transmission fluid, so went to the gas station to put fluid in.  Got fluid in checked level everything good, so get in van to drive away - put in gear van jumps and stalls out.  Then I tried to go foreword – same thing, jumps and stalls.  No indication when I stopped that it was going to do that.  The van runs very good it will idle, but soon as you put in gear, it will stall out.  I think, maybe it’s the transmission locked up, but it will roll after stalling out and start right back up as soon as you hit the key.  PLEASE HELP!

Question: 1986 Chrysler New Yorker 4 cyl Turbo mileage: 105,000.  I have a 1986 Chrysler New Yorker, 4 cylinder turbo, front wheel drive.  The rebuilt transmission has approximately 7,000 miles.  The company that rebuilt the transmission is now out of business.  The problem I now have is the transmission does not have any reverse.  All other gears are working normal.  The parking gear works also the neutral.  All forward gears shift in the right places.  If the transmission has to be removed and rebuilt how much do you estimate this will cost?  Is there any other way to determine what the problem is, without having to drop the transmission?  Incidentally, the motor has been rebuilt and has approximately 10,000 miles on it.   Much appreciated for your advice.     

Answer:   Not good news.  We think you may need another transmission overhaul.  The price may be more than before if parts inside the transmission are damaged.

Question:  1986 Ford Bronco II 2.9 V6 mileage: 131,000.  This is kinda my shade tree project. I just got it back from the tranny shop; it SLAMS into gear.  So I took it back to have them adjust it.  The owner said I had a vacuum leak, and they could not adjust it properly, so I bought new break booster (which I knew it needed) and all new vacuum hoses, and little plastic contoured (expensive) lines.  Took the Bronco back to have the adjustment done, owner told me the idle was too high and the timing was off.  Corrected timing, in parking lot of shop, and reset idle speed.  Then of course it started over heating.  New radiator (which was also needed) and fan clutch.  Then had to reset timing and idle again.  Took the Bronco back the fourth time, and he would still not put it on the lift because the rear breaks were shot (no E-brake).  Went back home, did the rear breaks, and put new shocks on the rear.  Took it back, he told me there is nothing wrong with the tranny, and that there was too much play in the rear-end.  Rebuilt the rear end, new ring and pinion gears, rest of differential was reused.   Not as much play in the rear-end, the flange moves less than 1/2 inch, but tranny still SLAMS in gear, worse when shifting from D to R.  I had the drive shaft rebuilt already by a local machine shop, which he said did not need it, but I had them do it any way.  I am still having the same problem.  Is there a way that I can adjust the transmission myself, or can you think of anything that would make it do this that I have over looked, I am getting ready to take the Bronco back down for a sixth time to the tranny shop and want to know all the options I have.  By the way, I am really upset that a paid $1300 for the rebuild, and it came with a warranty, but the car still gives you whip lash when putting it in gear.   Thanks in advance.  Justin

Answer:   Wow – what you have been through!  The only thing we can think of is a broken or missing servo spring.  The spring slows the servo piston movement for mild gear engagement.

Question: 1990 Honda Accord 2.2 mileage: 150,000.  Transmission starts out in second gear, will not shift into third or overdrive.  It has a sport light on the dash coming on for the sport & or normal transmission function.  The light does not go out when I push it to normal setting.  It will start out ok if I manually put it in low gear & then shift it too second gear.  However, it will not shift into third & or fourth.  Any suggestions on it?  P.s. I am an autotech also but have little information on this auto.

Answer:     If the transmission has 150,000 miles, the transmission may be ready for an overhaul.  If recently done, try cleaning the valve body.  A valve or servo may be “hanging up.”

Question: 1988 Mazda 929 v-6 mileage: 112,000.  My automatic transmission is slipping in low speed usually on takeoff, it revs up to 4000 rpms before shifting, I’ve already had the transmission position sensor replaced, but that did not solve the problem, the mechanic thinks it's possible that the torque converter needs to be replaced.  What do you think?   Is it possible that this transmission will have to be rebuilt or is it something minor.  Thanks

Question: 1984 Toyota Camry 4 cyl 2SE mileage: 126,000.  I have an '84 Toyota Camry with an automatic (speed w/overdrive) forward gears work fine, reverse started slipping and eventually went kaput.  Does it need a complete overhaul?  Approximate cost?  Thanks....  J.P.

Answer:   We would say yes at a cost of approximately $1,600.00 to $2,200.00.

Question: 1993 Eagle Vision 3.5L mileage: 100,000.  After sitting overnight, the Eagle starts up fine and when shifted into Reverse won't go anywhere, it appears to be in neutral. Placing the car in drive sometimes allows the car to move along fine and then it will shift perfectly fine in reverse.  This is an intermittent problem.  The car was taken to the Eagle dealer who claimed to do a series of test on the transmission and said the "clutch packing" or "CP"(I am not sure) may not be correct as well as overdrive is "out of range" (I am not sure).   The solution was to either overhaul the transmission or replace it.  I have been driving it as is and within the last few weeks, it has been flawless.  So the question is, repair, replace or merely service the transmission.  At 100K, is this the time to trade the car in?  Other than this, it runs fine.

Answer:   Your transmission may be ready for service.  Replacing the filter and fluid may correct the problem.

 Question: 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 mileage: 90,000.  This an automatic transmission.  My jeep has a problem with properly shifting down to first when I come to a stop sign or stoplight.  Once I come to a complete stop, it may or may not shift into first.  If I shift it into neutral and then back into drive it goes into first and starts fine.  Otherwise, it is like starting in second gear.  I just had the tranny rebuilt, so I am not sure that is it.  Every other gear shifts at the proper points and I do not have a problem idling.  My next option I am going to try is the fuel filter.  Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer:   You may want to return to the service center that rebuilt the transmission.  It sounds like a valve is “hanging up” in the valve body.

Question: 1991 Chevy Camaro 305 mileage: 80,000.  The transmission shifts into reverse fine, and it also shifts from first to second fine, but when it shifts into drive it reacts like it was shifted into neutral. Are there sensors or something like that causing this problem?  In addition, if so what are they and is there a way to check them to see if they are bad short of taking it to the shop?  I changed the fluid and put a new filter and gasket in transmission and there was no difference.  It has been driven very little since problem occurred.  Any help would be greatly appreciated