Well, i had my car running good for a while...but lately my transmission(auto) has been acting really funny. It feels like its slipping in 3rd... and for a while, i could shift it out if i gave it some gas, but now it has gotten worse. So is it possible that i just need my transmission flushed, and the gears are clogged or something...or is that not likely? And is it usually cheaper to just replace the transmission rather than fixing it... if it does come to that...

 

Check you're trani fluid. Is it bright red or dark red/maroon in colour. Flush if dirty.

Here is link for the AT diagnostics that might help

http://www.twinturbo.net/ttnettech/a.../autodiag.html

My preference would be a rebuild over replacing with a used one. I would feel better knowing what exactly what I am getting and could hold the shop accountable for the work they do.

Of course, if you do have to replace...you have the option of swapping to a 5 spd.

 

in my experience with rear wheel drive auto trannys (no Z's tho), when it starts slipping, it's wishful thinking to think that changing the fluid and filter will fix things. there are adjustments that can be made to fix them if it's just slipping a little. But for some reason, it seems, most tranny shops will say, "oh, you need a new tranny". The dead giveaway to the tranny being bad is the smell and color of the trans fluid. Again, in my experience, if it has that distinct burnt smell, it's pretty much time for a new one.

The cheapest way for me, since I don't rebuild auto trannys, is to pull it out myself, and exchange it for a rebuilt from a reputable place. The best deals that I've seen are in your local Recycler newspaper, or equivalent.

 

ok..but first. What is the golden rule of auto trannies though?!
When was the last time u changed the fluid in your tranny? If its been more than 100K, then u might end up having to buy a new tranny or gettin that one rebuilt.

 

i think once a year or 12-15k miles for auto tranny fluid flush sounds about right.
imma hafta check the manual on that later.

 

If you got the $$$ go with a specialty Z tranny. http://www.specialtyz.com/transmission.htm