1994 Plymouth Voyager transmission problem

CDDX77

MEMBER
1994 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
186,000 MILES

Do you think my old lass is dead, and beyond economical repair? Recently I have noticed that when I placed it in reverse gear, there was a delay before it would engage and move, and when it did it went with a clunk. Now the car is straining to get into top gear. When in drive or moving through the gears, 1 and 2 are ok, but it wont move into top and sounds as though it is straining and gives off a high pitched noise, which is akin to an aircraft noise, The transmission fluid was low, which has now been topped up, but do you think it is the transmission that has gone. Your assistance to a total novice would be appreciated.

8 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi:
It may be done. However, prior to taking it to a trans shop, you may want to try to service it with a new filter. It may help.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Joe

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Thursday, December 4th, 2008 AT 3:32 PM

CDDX77

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4 POSTS

As per recommendation of jacobandnickolas I got the filter checked out only to find that it was full of metal filings (almost 1" of it) plus there was 2 bolts in the filter. This is a concern to my mechanic friend as he is unsure where these have come from and in his words "it doesnt look good"

Whilst it is stripped down is it worth putting a new filter in, and what is the liklihood of this working, or will I have to go straight to checking out the gearbox and footing a large bill

Finally any idea of how much a reconditioned gear box is and any idea where to get one from?

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Saturday, March 28th, 2009 AT 4:07 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi:
It's me again. For the cost of a few quarts of ATF (make sure tu use the right type) and the filter, it would be worth trying. You may end up with an overhaul, but it's worth giving it a try. Also, have you determined where the two bolts have come from? They will need replaced. Chances are they are from the valve body. Give it a try, make sure the valve body is tight before replacing the filter and clean all of the dirt / metal shavings out of the pan. With a little luck, the trans wasn't getting enough pressure due to the dirt.

Let me know if it works.
Joe

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Monday, March 30th, 2009 AT 2:40 PM

CDDX77

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4 POSTS

I have had the filter and fluid changed but unfortunately no change, I guess it may be a transmission rebuild or the scrappers?

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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 7:34 AM

MIKEYDAP

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6 POSTS

Don't scrap her yet! Check the transmission speed sensors as well before doing a major overhaul.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 10:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

I agree. IF you found that much in the pan / filter, something has gone out.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 11:00 PM

CDDX77

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4 POSTS

Hi again, do you agree with me that it is the end of the road, or were you agreeing with the other postee, in that it would be worth checking the transmission speed sensors?

You may note that "my old lass" is off the road and looking sorry for itself in the yard, but I would like to bring her back to life as she has been a great servant for 15 years with no previous problems so if its a gearbox rebuild then I think thats what I will do

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Sunday, June 28th, 2009 AT 2:20 AM

MIKEYDAP

MEMBER
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Yeah, time to scrap her. I was thinking about another post here. 2 bolts and that much metal in the pan is not very good. There may be a few good deals on craigs list. I have heard that if you do a rebuild yourself, it's about $400-$500 but a shop will charge at least $1500.

Good luck

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Monday, June 29th, 2009 AT 8:19 AM