If the engine stalls abruptly as if some one clamped it, then I would suspect that the 'lock-up' function on the torque converter of the transmission is in the lock-up position. That means it is the same as popping the clutch on a conventional transmission car, which cause the same stall. If you can't drive the car, I would call around to several independent transmission shops to find one that is familiar with the transmission and that appears to be honest. Ask if they have a diagnostic readout box to communicate with the transmission control computer. If they do then have the car towed there and let them try a readout. If they get a code 38 or 0740 (depending upon what year model you have there) then that would show that the lock-up is the problem. If you are lucky the problem will be with a solenoid switch or valve in the box on the side of the transmission which can be corrected easily without removing the transmission. Because this possibility (along with about 6 other causes) is worth pursuing, I would want a shop that is not going to talk you into a "rebuild" without first looking into all the possible reasons for the lock-up condition so you aren't "taken for a ride".
So ask friends if they know a good honest shop and check them out as to how well they understand the transmission. You may end up at a dealer, but insist on their trying all the other possible causes before authorizing removal of the transmission which is a very expensive repair and may not be necessary.
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 10:08 PM
