1996 Plymouth Breeze Car starts but won't Move

Tiny
PEMBO13
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 PLYMOUTH BREEZE
Transmission problem
1996 Plymouth Breeze 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic a lot miles

My friend got a 96 Breeze and the first test drive went okay, but not perfect. It was parked immediately after acquisition. A few days later I noticed some liquid under the car (possibly green). The tires had gone flat. By the time they were replaced, and a new battery put in, the engine would start ok (on the first try) but putting the car into gear and pressing the accelerator, engine revs up, but there is almost no movement from the car. The emergency break seems to be off.

I would like to take it to a proper mechanic, but that would require a tow truck. And if it is a transmission problem, that would be a fair waste of money.

So I would like suggestions on what are the likeliest cause of the problem so I can make a suggestion on whether it is cost effective to take it to the mechanic or just junk it.

The two problems that come my (inexperienced) mine is that either the brake is engaged, and I can't tell, or the transmission is shot. My friend says she has got it to move a bit by pressing down on the gas very hard.

I checked the transmission fluid (using the dip stick), and it is to the appropriate level.
Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 3:58 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
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IF you want to determine if this is a brake problem, put the car up on jack stands, put the transmission into nuetral and spin the wheels. Naturally the fronts will have slightly more resistance, but should spin freely.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
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Reving the engine while the transmission is in gear can do much more damage to the transmission if it is indeed slipping.
Did you check the fluid with the engine running?
It must be running to get a proper level.
Does it move in reverse normaly? If it moves strongly in reverse then it could be a failed clutch set (for forward gears) or a seized park brake
Try putting it in neutral and get a couple of friends to give it a push forward and backward. If it moves easily then it's not likely a brake problem.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I ensured that engine was good and warm running when I checked the fluid the second time. I know revving it while in gear does damage (I wasn't the one who did it). I'll try reverse and pushing it.

Is there a single part of the transmission that is the most likely point of failure? If so, I would like to price that part to see if it's worth it.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
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Sadly this transaxle had quite a few trouble areas. The one I ran into most was a leaking Low/Reverse clutch piston retainer gasket. The retainer holds the gasket to the case but was too thin to stay straight.
Someone finaly came up with an aftermarket stiffener which took care of the problem. But by the time the problem showed itself the clutches were usualy burned up.
Another big problem they had was popping retainer rings out of the clutch drums which made it impossible for the clutches to apply. These defects, added to the fact that most of the time contamination flows through the whole transmission, usualy means a hefty bill. Sorry.
Let me know what happens when you push the car! Does it move in reverse?
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Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 AT 12:53 PM

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