bad transmission?

[jgilbs]

I just got my (used)x like a month ago, and I think it needs a new transmission. heres what happened:
i was drivin in the rain, and i was just ****in around with my car, spinnin off of stops, and goin like 15 or 20mph then gunning it, so my tires spin. well, so i pull up to this stop sign like 2 blocks from my house, and i cant get the damn truck to move, its not spinnin out or anything, the thing just wont move. so i like gun it, and my tach shoots up to ~5k RPM, and it just barely budges. i had to drive it home like this, people cuttin me off and yellin at me and stuff cuz they thought i was like some grandma(it was a two lane rd lined with cars, so it was a PITA to get around me) so i get home, and *slowly* pull it into my garage. and i try to see if it does the same in reverse. it does, and moves slkowly backwards and when it hits the slight incline in my garage, it rolls forward even though its in reverse. so heres my question: do i need a new transmission:fire: , or is it like a nut i have to screw in or something stupid like that ? also, how much does the transmission cost(just part, i can get labor for free) thanks for your help

 

[Opera House]

Might try this

If your fluid level is correct, failure to go in fwd or reverse can be due to a bad low/reverse servo seal which causes low pressure. These are all bad to some degree in all A4LD transmissions and have been replaced by a new style double lip seal. There may also be damage to the reverse band, but you can replace the fluid, seal, and filter yourself for less than $50. It is no harder to do than replacing a transmission filter. This would certainly be worth a try first. There are over 50+ posts on this thread. Look for one called Low/Reverse Servo. The procedure is located at:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=60887&goto=newpost

Think it is on page 2.

 

[jgilbs]

but i cannot drive in 1 or 2, would this help?

 

[Opera House]

No, that's bad

The weakest part is the OD section. All the power has to go through it one way or another. I've had two different failures there and it never left me stranded. Don't have my manual to list some of the other possibilities. It looks like you are willing to drop the transmission. You owe it to yourself to at least look in the OD section then. Details are on that thread. The following details the operation of some gears.

There are eight major mechanical "clutch" components in the 91-94 A4LD. There are three bands (overdrive, intermediate & low/reverse), three clutches (overdrive, reverse/high,& forward), and two one way clutches (overdrive & rear). The following simple tests can begin to isolate the problem. Prior to performing these tests, check for correct transmission fluid levels when the engine is warm. Look for discolored fluid with a burnt odor.
1. Does the vehicle move with the shift lever in reverse? This tests the overdrive clutch, overdrive one way clutch, reverse/high clutch, and the low/reverse band. This is a primary a test for Low/Reverse band.
2. Does the vehicle move with the shift lever in manual low (1) position. This tests the overdrive clutch, overdrive one way clutch, forward clutch, low reverse band, and the rear one way clutch. This is a primary a test for Forward clutch.
3. Does the vehicle move with the shift lever in manual second (2). This tests the overdrive clutch, overdrive one way clutch, intermediate band, and the forward clutch. This is a primary a test for Intermediate band.
4. Find a fairly steep hill and point the vehicle in a downward direction. Place the vehicle in manual low(1). Remove your foot from the brake and do not touch the gas pedal. Allow the vehicle to accelerate on it's own. There should be significant engine braking as indicated by the tach going to 2-3K. This is the primary a test for Low/Reverse band servo leakage.

 

[jgilbs]

i went out and tested the truck again and heres what happens:
1)When I put it in reverse, it creeps along *very slowly* if i rev the engine to 4500-5000rpm, it just barely reaches 5mph
2)It was working for about 5 mins normally in reverse, i shifted it into drive, it was fine, then i shifted it into Overdrive(All at about 15-20mph) and it lost all power and did the same thing where it just creeps along
3)i tried 2 and 1 but with the same results as overdrive.
weird, because isnt 1 the same thing as D at speeds <15mph?

i actually dont have the garage setup to drop a transmission, nor a decent workbench to dissasemble it and rebuild it, so ill prob have to take it to a tranny shop, but i dont know a lot about transmissions and i want to know a little bit about whats wrong so i can go in there and hopefully sound like i know what im talkin about so i wont get screwed. i also had to put a new tranny in my corolla last year so if at all possible i want to avoid that experience again. i love my x, and i dont think i can live without it while they dig up a trans and then install it. took them 3 weeks last time.

 

[SteveVB]

Did you check the fluid level?

Check the fluid level first.
If its not fluid then a valve body or mechanical problem -take it to your mechanic.

"3)i tried 2 and 1 but with the same results as overdrive.
weird, because isnt 1 the same thing as D at speeds <15mph"

NO they are not the same- overdrive clutch, and the low reverse band are applied in 1 and not in OD 1.

If it doesnt work in 1,2 or OD then you may have major band and clutch problems.

Hope you had fun- good luck.

 

[Opera House]

What about that free labor you mentioned?

Made it sound like you had a place and friends to help. The only thing a tranny shop will tell you is it needs a rebuild. Knowing anything about transmissions won't help. The price usually doesn't change if you need a lot or a little. No reason a shop can't turn around an American car in three days. You usually talk to some sales guy who just throws in a bunch of buzz words that don't relate to your problem. If you ask around there are usually a couple backyard shops that do it cheaper. On first generation X's a tranny job is like totaling the car. Thats why a home rebuild is so appealing.

 

[jgilbs]

i guess on this one im gonna have to take it to a shop im moving soon, so hopefully ill be able to build a decent garage so i can take care of these things myself. its just such a waste, $70/hour just for labor. i could prob finish it in a weekend with my friends for like $200 worth of parts, but i guess thats the price i pay for havin a crappy garage. well thanks a lot, i really appreciate you guys helpin out a newbie like me. i hope someday to be able to do all these things myself.