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Question:  1984 Nissan 300 ZX 3 litre V6 mileage: 112,000 km.  My car is a 1984 Nissan 300 ZX with a three speed automatic with an electronic overdrive for fourth gear.  When I switch the overdrive on, it stays in third gear even when the car is warmed up.  The switch and overdrive solenoid are working but I have been to several auto electricians and they cannot seem to find the fault.  Could you please give me a few suggestions on how to fix my problem?   Thank you. 

Answer:  The overdrive circuit is controlled by the engine temperature sensor to prevent it from going into overdrive when the engine is cold.  If the sensor is faulty, it will not allow your transmission to shift into overdrive.  Also, check the thermostat, if it is stuck open, it will not allow the engine to come up to normal temperature and the transmission will not shift into overdrive.

Question: 1980 GMC Pickup Full Size Bed V8 mileage: over 80K.  When accelerating, the automatic transmission will not shift into the next higher gear unless I take my foot off the gas a bit.  In addition, the engine must be racing before I can let off the gas to get it to shift up.  Downshifts fine.   What do you think is causing the problem?   Thanks in advance.

Answer:  Check the vacuum modulator.  It may need replacing.  Also, check the vacuum hose to the modulator for leaks or lose connections.

Question: 1984 Ford Bronco 2  4wd 2.8 mileage: 198,000.   Reverse went out but the other gears work fine.  I was told it was either the rear band or a servo. My question is if it is a servo where is that located and how can I tell?

Answer:  Sounds like you are ready for a transmission overhaul.  The reverse band and servo are inside the transmission.  In order to tell if your problem is the servo, you need a transmission specialist to run a diagnostic.

Question: 1978 Chevrolet 350 mileage: 40,789.  I have a 1978 Malibu with a 350, how do I fit a turbo 400 trans with a Ford 9 in rear end behind it?

Answer:  The turbo 400 transmission should bolt right in.  The rear cross member may have to be changed.  A Ford 9 inch is a big big project.  A Chevrolet 12 bolt would be a lot easier.

Question: 1992 olds cutlass 3.1_mileage: 154,000.  Hi guys, my wife's beater is surging (lunging) at idle and when coming to a stop.  She related to me that it tried to take off while stopped at a traffic signal (and of course I thought "yea, right"). After taking it for a spin, it sometimes thinks its in third gear and stalls when coming to a stop after an extended ride (25 mi.).  This is an intermittent condition.  I had a friend put it on the computer and there were no trouble codes.  He said it might be a transmission sensor.

Question: 1980 Jeep cj-7 151  mileage: 198,640. I have an opportunity to buy a 258 in-line 6 cyl for the same year jeep (80). I currently have a 4 cyl 151. Is there a problem with using the 151 engines 4 speed transmission? It was rebuilt and I would like to use it.

Answer: Your transmission will not work with a 6 cylinder engine, sorry.

Question: 1991 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 mileage: 144,000. Auto Transmission slow to shift until warmed up. Hard driving helps in shifting. After warm up, sometimes easing up on the gas assists the slow shifting. Changed filter and leaking modulator valve 15k ago.

Answer: Try a different vacuum modulator. The spring inside may be incorrect for your car. If that does not fix your problem, hang on to your wallet because it is overhaul time.

Question: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limit V8 mileage: 53,887. I recently changed the automatic transmission filter, gasket & fluid. The fluid that I used was the Dextron 2. Now when I check the fluid, the fluid has several air type bubbles. What could be causing the bubbles and what needs to be done to correct the problem? If I check the fluid when the engine isn't running there isn't any.

Answer: Your transmission may be low on fluid. The bubbles may be the result of air and fluid being sucked up into the filter and pump. Check the fluid level first thing in the morning after the bubbles have settled down over night. Our guess is you will find it low.

Question: 1966 Ford LTD 390 mileage: 60,000. I want to replace the seals in my (automatic C6) transmission, but I'm a beginning mechanic and don't know how to go about it. I'm looking for step by step instructions or some kind of a repair manual, like Haynes or Chilton's. My local parts place says they can't order manuals back to 1966. Any idea on where I can find information, or can you give me the ABC's?

Answer: Removing and reassembling an automatic transmission is a big job for a beginning mechanic. You may be able to find old repair manuals at your local library. Also, try the 2Carpros Bookstore.

Question: 1991 Pontiac Grand AM 2.5L mileage: 93,000. My '91 Grand Am has a 3 speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The overdrive kicks in above 45 or 50 mph automatically. When traveling in overdrive for a long period (1/2 hour or greater), the transmission will not shift out of overdrive when slowing down or coming to a stop and the car stalls. Upon restarting the car, (in neutral or park) the transmission is still in overdrive. In order to get the car out of overdrive, I have to rev the engine and drop it into drive (not good). Do you have any idea what might be causing this?

Question: 1981 Mercedes Benz 300SD mileage: 220,000. Want to change transmission filter and pan gasket. Because of mileage and not sure when and if prior owner changed fluid, I am afraid to have fluid replaced. Present fluid clear and unburned. Should I chance or will someone just change filter and gasket. Second question, vacuum motor in trunk that runs door locks and gas cap cover, quits after about two weeks. If I pull out, disconnect, and then connect three-prong electrical connector, it works for another two weeks. However, I believe that if I disconnect the vacuum line to the motor, it works for unlimited period.

Answer: If in doubt, change the transmission filter and gasket and at the same time replace the fluid in the pan. With the transmission pan down, inspect for metallic particles. A slight amount is normal. About your vacuum motor problem, a cracked and leaking vacuum hose probably causes this. Locating and repairing the hoses should fix the problem.

 Question: Volkswagen Quantum, 90,000 miles. I want to have my transmission removed and replace instead of having someone rebuild my old transmission which is a automatic. I decided to use another transmission from another Volkswagen Quantum car that came with a warranty. Approximately, how much should this cost? It seems to me this would be a very simple job because all it takes is unbolting and removing the transmission, and inserting and aligning the new transmission and re-bolting it in. In addition, what are some other things besides the transmission fluid and filter they need to check or change when replacing the transmission in a car?

Answer: Before having your transmission replaced with one from another Volkswagen, you should be aware that not all transmissions are interchangeable. Although they may appear the same, the manufactures are constantly updating from year to year and even mid-year. Your car may not be compatible with another transmission. Replacing the transmission is not a simple job. Your Volkswagen Quantum is not a "mechanic friendly" car. The labor cost for removing and repairing your transmission should be approximately $250.00. (Southern California Pricing).

Question: I have a 1993 Aerostar with an A4LD transmission. Recently in the morning after reversing the car out of our driveway and slipping into drive the transmission will not engage for a few seconds. Upon engagement, it drives fine all day long. Is this a band adjustment, or a symptom of worse trouble on the way? If this is a band adjustment, what is the band adjustment procedure and specifications I should use? Thanks in advance for our help. P.S. It has been a few years since I turned wrenches at repair shop!

Question:   I own a 1992 totally stock Toyota 4X4 V6 Truck with approx. 117,000 miles. At about 100,000 miles, I had the original clutch replaced. The clutch was working fine, but because of the mileage, I felt it would need replacing soon. Since the truck would be spending some quality time at the Toyota dealership for the infamous head gasket problem, I felt this was as good a time as any. The Toyota dealer replaced the clutch, pressure plate, bearing, and turned the flywheel. The new clutch grabbed when starting off in first and especially in reverse. It feels like the clutch is chattering. I returned the truck to the dealer with the above complaints. They claim they replaced the clutch once again, but it did not cure the problem. At this point, they thought the recently turned flywheel needed replacing, naturally at my expense. After all this the truck still has the same problem, but less severe. If driven aggressively, the clutch works smoothly. The problem is most evident if you just release the clutch without applying the gas. My question is, what other conditions could cause this particular problem? Could the strength of the new clutch accentuate worn engine mounts? Would worn out bearings in the rear end cause this, and if so, how can you tell if the axle bearings are worn?

Answer: Your problem could be caused by improper clutch linkage adjustment. One adjustment is under the dash on the clutch pedal to clutch master cylinder. The other is on the clutch slave cylinder on the engine. Yes, worn engine and transmission mounts can also cause this. I would be very surprised if the worn out bearings in the rear end could cause the problems you describe. You can check for loose axle bearings by raising your truck off the ground, lift each rear tire by hand, and check for "play".

Question:   My brother's car blew a clutch today. It is a 1986 Mazda 626. About how much would a new clutch cost?

Answer:   $300.00 to $400.00 for labor and new parts: pressure plate, clutch discs and release bearing.

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