For the past couple of months, I noticed the trans noticeably, 'dragging' the engine or 'binding' and making the engine work slightly harder, which might explain the noticeably bad gas mileage. Conducted a slight decline 'roll test' while engine running & in neutral and van barely coasted until I shut the engine, then it coasted freely. I ruled out the brake booster by disconnecting the booster vacuum hose temporarily, when roll testing. Same problem. Trans shifts fine, fluid level ok, no slipping.
Then just last week, it got worse: After pulling out from a coffee drive thru, suddenly, the van felt like it was towing a 30 foot boat. I accelerated and trans shifted as expected as I gained road speed but I can hear the engine straining under alot of load strain. I would 'gun' the gas pedal momentarily and the dragging would ease up a bit till I got home about 2 minutes away.
As soon as I got home and tried to reverse into my driveway, the trans finally 'seized'. Van won't move forward or reverse under power. Trans still shifts into drive and reverse, but engine was still straining, trying to get the trans to budge. I observed the engine while it was 'straining' forward or reverse, but engine did not 'buck' fro or aft as would when brakes were applied, so I ruled out a brake issue.
Tried to push it while engine running & neutral so I can power steer it into my driveway, but van still will not move forward or reverse. Only with the engine off & in neutral did the trans let go and I finally pushed and coasted the van into my driveway (no power steering).
All I can remember doing to my trans is foolishly, spraying about an ounce worth of Seafoam down the trans fill tube about 4 months ago and maybe topped it up with about half a liter's worth of trans fluid other than ATF+3/4. Plans was to drain, flush and change the trans fluid the next couple of days but forgot about it.
I plan to drain, flush as much of the old fluid out, drop pan, inspect and refill with fresh ATF+4 then just run the engine/trans stationary thru alll its gear shifts, every now and then for about a couple of weeks, hoping the issue will slowly reverse itself.
Please advise. Thank you for your time. Bob
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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 4:48 AM
