Solara Transmission problems

[x61485x]

Hey guys,

My 99 V6 SLE has been good to me, but she's getting old.

It's got about 114K, and the car is pretty much stock. I'm having problems with the auto tranny. Unfortunately my tachometer is messed up too so it'll be hard for me to describe the problem. ( Some of you norcal guys might remember the 'lara that revs up to 9K )
Refresher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mhO9HB4Scc

Here it is:
First gear catches in low rpms, but loses power in high rpms.
On the tach, first gear up to around 4K is normal, then power drops to around 20 or 30% from 4K up to 9K. Sometimes first gear will catch all the way through if I'm aggressive off the line, otherwise no power 4K up to redline, then shifts late into 2nd. It seems 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear are fine.

I took it to a mechanic who test drove it, said the tranny was 'shifting late' and 'slipping' a bit. The shop's estimate was $2200 and a week to REBUILD my tranny.

Any comments, suggestions, and prior experience would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

[woa_its_j3ff]

did you ever do like the tranny flush and stuff? just a thought...

[x61485x]

did you ever do like the tranny flush and stuff? just a thought...

Actually I'm going to get a second opinion tomorrow and check if it's worth trying to flush the transmission system. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

[woa_its_j3ff]

okay. and maybe tranny fluid? doubt that'd do anything but just a thought.
good luck man.

[krawzyazn]

check the fluid see what color it is

[TMMK Toy]

If your tranny is starting to have trouble a flush is more than likely not gonna help or make matters worse. What you could do is actually change the fluid and the trannny filter and pan gasket but don't flush it

[x61485x]

so the mechanic opened it up and found...yup you guessed it...SLUDGE!

poor tranny hadn't been serviced in a while.
Surprisingly (and luckily) he couldn't find and metal or clutch material.
He flushed out the transmission and told me to drive it around for a week or two, then return for another flush. Trannies flushes supposedly only clean around 60% of the material inside I guess.
He quoted me around $1900 for a transmission rebuild and charged me $200 for the flush.

Anyways, just thought I'd let you guys know. Thanks for the help.

[MCOjerry]

You may be covered under the sludge problem extra warranty.

[Gangis]

Let us know what happens, please. I have a Gen 1.5, probably the same tranny you have and I've had a history of tranny problems in my other cars. Thanks!

[aleki2424]

mine pretty muh has the same mileage but the first thing i noted was that there was debris in the fluid , so just flushed it and 6000 miles later theres not a problem.
i think the sludge issue would mst likely have to do with the fluid not getting changed or a missed flush several thousand miles past due?

[TMMK Toy]

You may be covered under the sludge problem extra warranty.

Ugh, that was for the engines. Dont know of any tranny sludging issues but then again I dont pay attention to slush box stuff

[x61485x]

well i've driven it for two days now.

I WANT to say it feels like the tranny is catching better now...but it may just be the good 'ol butt dyno talkin.

i certainly FEELS a little bit better. Still bad when the engine's cold, but after she warms up things seem okay. Like the mechanic said, these things take time; supposedly the chemicals take time to break down the sludge and clear up the transmission.

I'll keep you guys posted on the feel of the car and give an update when i go back for the second flush