Just when I was convinced that my tranny was mostly unscaved.. It takes a dump when I'm 3 hours away from home - on business. I knew I should've went with the company rental car.

Anyway, after about 30 mins or so of driving with a jerky, slippery tranny with my rpms all over the place, sometimes near the red line, I notice the smell of burning (engine) oil. Surely enough when I checked the oil level it was a little low so I added a quart and promptly took it to a local Mister Transmission shop (for you Canadians out there).

I'm used to adding a quart of oil every couple of weeks but I'm not at all used to the burning oil smell.

Now (2 days later) he tells me that the problem is with the the "lock-up" solenoid that apparently sits inside the tranny. He says that this is a 450$ "dealer" part.

He quoted me at $2500 for the rebuild... At this point I was afraid to ask about the burning oil problem... I'm hoping it could be a broken seal or something. Does anyone know if there is gaskets, seals, or anything else near or related to the tranny that could cause me to burn oil??

I should mention that I've got a '98 2.3 auto with 177 xxx km. Any ideas... anyone?

 

Can this be due to a bad EGR valve..? The service engine soon light is on also.

 

Have the mechanic clarify the part that needs to be replaced AND get a second opinion. The Lock-up Control Solenoid is NOT located inside of the tranny. You can service this without even dropping the tranny.

Can you get the Check Engine Light (CEL) code?

You need to use the service connector under the passenger side. It's a 2-pin (blue on 3.0) connector that plugs into a empty socket. Jump that connection using a paper clip, turn ignition to ON position (but don't start engine) and reference the code in the NOOB Guide .

 

That's interesting... Where abouts is the lock-up solenoid located? I'll ask him about this on Monday.

 

I think you would have a better vehicle buying the best used transmission you can find $800-$1000US, and having installed by a good shop. I think you'll get back to driving for < $2000 and have a better vehicle.

Try car-part.com to find a good auto trans near you. I also paid for parts/labor insurance in case you were unlucky and purchased a bad part. Most salvage yards will replace the defective part, but only insurance will replace the lost labor.

good luck

 

From what he's told me on Friday, he's already dropped the tranny. He plans to re-build and re-install.

What struck me is that he clearly said the Lock-up solenoid is inside the trans... Is this guy taking me for a ride?

 

Maybe he meant the Lock-up Control valve (inside) and/instead solenoid (outside)?

 

I dunno but will definitely interigate him tomorrow.. Is there a sure fire way to tell if the solenoid as opposed to the valve (or vice versa) is causing the trouble?

Would you happen to have the service diagram for the 2.3 tranny?

Thanks for the help!

 

Alrite... I'm convinced this guy's a crook... I'd take my car elsewhere if it wasn't 2 hours away.

He still insists that the lock up control solenoud is inside the tranny even after I pointed out that I have the dealer's service diagram... He says he's doing a full tranny rebuild. I'll twist his arm for the extended warranty.

Effin' dishonest grease monkey's piss me off to no avail. :silvermad