Adam_Schwartz

This question is related to me other thread - I have a gut feeling that I am going to need a tranny rebuild, which I may or may not get depending on other factors.

My tranny has some real problems, but I will know more details on Monday. I have 150K miles on my 1997 2.5 TL and before this, my car never had any serious problems. I had to replace some O2 sensors, which was under warranty, and get a brake switch replaced, but that is about all for unplanned maintenance.

I have never needed any AC work done or any major engine repairs, besides the scheduled timing belt replacement and other work.

Based on my situation and all your experience with 1st gen TLs, would you rebuild the tranny at 150K miles? I am trying to weigh the $2000 rebuild cost against how much longer I think my car would last, as well as how much more money I think I will have to put into it, at least in terms of unplanned maintenance.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

i would.. the engines last very long for our cars..

Adam_Schwartz

Agreed about the engines, but I am wondering if some others can comment on other issues I might expect to face between now and 200K miles. Some of you have a lot of miles on your cars.

I have no prob dropping an average of $1000/yr on my car if I can keep it another 2-3 years. But on the flip side is that I could have taken that money and put it toward another younger vehicle. Decisions, decisions...this is all assuming I need a rebuild, so I am just speculating.

meazz1

I have a 97 2.5TL with 207k. So far I did not have any major issue except for cracked manifod, O2 sensors and stuff like that.
I hope to get atleast another 50k, or, 3+ year out of it.
These cars are built to last.

Adam_Schwartz

I had the same problems, which were luckily covered under the extended warranty.

I know blue book is pretty low on my car, but I am not about to NOT fix the tranny just because trade-in is only $2500. So hearing others with more miles than me say they have not had major problems is good.

One option might be to slap a used tranny in and see how long that lasts, assuming I could even find one with realtively low miles.

meazz1

here's one, $550.00 shipped. 109k on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRANS...spagenameZWDVW

Ken1997TL

I'd go for it. Cheaper than getting another car and taking a hit on trade-in

Mikes96TL03CLS

Yeah 150K is still not that hight considering these cars go quite a while. If you love the car, I'd say go for it.

Adam_Schwartz

Hey guys, thanks for the Ebay link - it gives me some real options. My wife is really hung up about doing any major work to this car, but I know it is a solid car and has more miles left in it. I haven't had to get any major unplanned work done to this car in the 5 years I've owned it, so I have really lucked out. So shelling out a little money to get work done is not a bad thing IMO. Shoot, I'd at least slap in a used tranny to sell it and make a little money.

Adam_Schwartz

Well, the shop told me a POSSIBLE problem with my tranny might be a bad speed sensor, at least that is what is making the CEL come on (code 715). Basically, the tranny shifts based on certain combos of speed and RPMs, which might explain why my RPMs kept racing and no shifting ocurred. Also might explain why my tranny just developed a problem very quickly, rather than over the course of a few weeks or days. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed that it's just this sensor and not an internal problem. I will know later today after he replaces the sensor and sees how my tranny operates.

I also wanted to share just so the rest of you had more info if this ever happened to your TL.

Adam_Schwartz

Good news - my tranny was not shifting right because of a clogged filter. The shop removed it and cleaned it and the tranny now shifts like the day I bought the car. So I am pleased it has not come to a tranny swap. The speed sensor may need replacement soon, which is about a $125 job.

Thanks again for the advice and feedback!

meazz1

do you have a 2.5 or 3.2 ?

Adam_Schwartz

I have a 1997 2.5 TL - why do you ask?

meazz1

it has never been done on my car and I have a 1997 2.5 tl also. If it's only $100.00, I will get that taken care of.

did you go to the dealer?

Adam_Schwartz

It was actually $175, but that included some diagnostic labor to figure out that I needed my filter cleaned. So it should cost less than that if you tell them upfront that is what you want. I went to a private shop that specializes in tranny work, but I am sure the dealer can give you an upfront quote on a simple job like this.

You might not want to get your tranny flushed if you have too many miles on it - a simple filter cleaning/swap might be a better idea. Sometimes a flush can be too harsh on older trannys.