transmission problems - not shifting when cold

[glenn]

When I started out this morning, the transmission wouldn't shift out of 1st gear, even when I slipped it into second. This went away after about a minute, and it seemed normal. More distressing though was what happened under load. I was pulling my trailer full of dirt, and a loud thumping noise came out of the back end whenever I put it under load. I gingerly started up a big hill, and it was as if the transmission was disengaging (it felt like a slipping clutch, although I'm in an auto). It completely came out of gear. I backed it up so the trailer was stopped against a curb, slipped it in and out of gear a few times, and it went back into gear again. I took it very slow, and the same thing happened. I tried this again, and this time went very very slow. I made it up the hill, and then the rest of the trip went fairly normally. With the trailer unhooked, it seems back to normal except that it still doesn't shift out of first when it's cold.

Transmission fluid level is normal, although it is a bit dirty looking (don't scold me but it's the same fluid in it that came from Japan).

I will take it somewhere next week, but in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas what's going on, and second - where should I take it. I live in coquitlam and would like to take it to japanoid - but not sure if they work on transmissions.

Thanks for any info.

[marsgal42]

Would that be a something-hitting-things thump, or an in-and-out-of-gear thump?

...laura

[glenn]

The best way I can describe it is if you slowly let out a clutch under a lot power. Kind of rumbley and a feeling that something is slipping. As I mentioned, it got to the point that there was no power going to the wheels. More of a thump thump thump thump...... and it disappears as soon as I let off on the gas. At lower power it was gone. Once the trailer was unhooked, the symptoms were gone - even when I really pushed it. My neighbor suggested a good flush of the radiator might un-gum some of the valves and get it working properly again - but things are never that simple it seems.

[MardyDelica]

Hi, Glen,
pls call me about this. i did fixed some of this problem already.
Cheers;
Mardy

[glenn]

OK, it's gotten worse, in fact I had to abandon my van on the side of the road as I was trying to take it to Richmond. I am mentally preparing for an extremely expensive repair bill!
Basically, the transmission is slipping (clutch, torque converter ???). If I can get it in gear, I can drive about 50 - 100 feet before it starts slipping again. I shift from park and through all the gears and nothing happens, the engine just revs but no power to the wheels. For whatever reason, if I put it in park, turn it off, and start it again it will go back in gear. Again I drive 50 - 100 feet and it slips again. Turn it off and on again, put it in gear. . . . this way I was able to get it safely parked on the side of the road. But now, even the turn off/on trick isn't doing anything.

I would really appreciate any ideas/armchair diagnosis.

Secondly, where should I take it for repairs? Mardy is eager to help, but he is 30 km away, and Japanoid is just around the corner (I'm in coquitlam). Anyone have thoughts on this, I know that there have been a few transmission issues. Am I better off going to a transmission specialist?

Thanks

[fexlboi]

If you want an even more expensive bill, take it to Japanoid. Otherwise take it to CVI or Mardy. :)
Do you need someone to tow your Delica? Could give you a hand...

[MardyDelica]

hi, gleen,
no worry will find away for this transmission problem. i did some of them already so no problem. will send it to my trans specialist who knows about this now. he knows the trick. it will be installed but reasonable price.
cheers; just let me know.
Mardy

[jessef]

The transmission is the same on the 81-89 montero's.

Almost identical to the toyota pickup and early 4runner's.

Any good transmission shop will be able to work on it/fix it.

That's the good thing about the driveline/trans/transfercase/diff's/wheels/etc..... it's all common to every mechanic.

If you know of a good reputable trans shop, take it there.

There is one in langley that does excellent work and good with warranties (big plus).

Transmission work is not cheap.

[Meanman]

are you positive its trans? I had a similar incident with an old jeep I had.....turned out I had blown the rear diff. Ran it home on the front driveline. Throw the van in 4x4 and see if you can move...or throw it in gear and have someone watch the rear drive shaft. I only throw this out because of the thumping you described.

[glenn]

thanks for the suggestions. While I don't really have a clue - I'm pretty sure it's in the transmission. I will drive out to my van tomorrow and try it in 4wd though.

And jfarsang - my last few cars have been new so I don't know any mechanics/shops that I trust. And there is an inherent conflict of interest asking a shop to diagnose a problem that they will fix - even though most shops have good integrity, we have all heard horror stories. Because the van is not running, I can't really get more than one opinion. So, it leaves me appealing for the experiences of others for mechanics they trust. I will look into getting it towed to Richmond tomorrow.

[after oil]

BCAA PLUS allows 6 tows up to 120km in a year, for the cost of a tow

[glenn]

I'm back on the road again. I bought James old transmission through silk road, and Abdul installed it for me. James was able to give me his history with the transmission, so at least I knew how it was working well before his van was wrecked. All this for only $800. This transmission is shifting better than my old one, and a very slight rumbling under heavy load is now gone. Perhaps this was the indication of what was to come.

While I think there is little to be gained from determining exactly what went wrong with the last transmission - the ATF is definitely suspect, as are the particles in the filter.

So, in conclusion, if there is anyone else out there that can't say they know their ATF is clean - go change it! It's much cheaper than a cooked transmission (and I think I got off easy).

Last thing, a BCAA membership is a great thing. There is a $50 surcharge if you want to join after you break down. Otherwise, the waiting period after joining is 48hrs. For 139.60 you get up to 6 tows - two up to 320kms. You also get up to $1000 in trip interruption insurance. We do a lot of road trips, so this is cheap peace of mind.

[josh]

Glenn,

Glad you are back on the road. Seems like a lot of people have benefited from James' van. I know who got the engine, you got the tranny... it makes me smile. Glad its all sorted now.

Josh.

[Profister]

I might be the next one to get the transmission transplant in CC Autos. Did everybody follow up my chain of problems? I will post them in the chronological order soon.

[MardyDelica]

hi, sergie,
if you have problem with your overdrvie not shifting i fix some of them already.
the cost is usaully between 1,60- 2,200 rebuilt installed & fix the overdrive. with 6 month warrantty or 12,000 kms.
call me if you need help.
cheers;