Forgot to add transmission fluid after removing the pan now the car will not Move in reverse

GILBERT G

MEMBER
2002 SATURN L200
181,626 MILES

Here's my problem I have an automatic transmission. I took off the pan because it was leaking oil and then I did a oil change thinking that, that's what it was. But I didn't put transmission fluid in. The next day I drove to work and my car was running good. But when I got home and tried to reverse into my driveway my car wouldn't go in reverse all it would do was rev the engine but not move. So I finally realized that it needed transmission fluid in so I put some in but it still won't reverse! What could be the problem and how can I fix it myself?

8 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Well a few questions first. How many miles were driven with no transmission fluid? Have you added the correct transmission fluid to achieve the proper level now? Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Monday, November 25th, 2019 AT 4:24 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Yes, after draining the transmission fluid it should hold about 6.9 quarts. Yes, your transmission has a fill plug. Look for the red transmission fill cap located in front of the power steering reservoir. I've attached a picture below of its description/location and circled in blue. Let me know after filling to the correct fluid level if the symptom persists. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

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Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 AT 2:41 PM

GILBERT G

MEMBER
5 POSTS

It's still not reversing!

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Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 AT 4:09 PM

TOUGHDIVER

MECHANIC
224 POSTS

Hi,

Here is something you can try if you are good with a wrench. Know guarantees and its a long shot but it might work. Remove the side cover of transmission it is cast aluminum and just for your info it is GM 4T40-E transmission.
Using GM Brake Clean, or equivalent, in a safe and clean environment (clean aluminum pan) clean the valve body and dry it with compressed air. Now with Clean Dexron 3 squirt the valve body and all other internal parts of the transmission. This may free up a stuck
control valves if there is not to much damage from driving without fluid. Note: do not remove the valve body unless you have a certified Transmission expert to help you! Use appropriate eye protection please.I am including a schematic of the transmission below. Let us know if this helped you and if it fixed it.

Thank you,
Joe Terwilliger

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