The Oldsmobile Connection

Netdewt · Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 99 Location: Minneapolis, MN

Yesterday my transmission went out.

Reverse makes weird noises and does not work. First and second gears makes repetitive clicking noises, when third gear is needed, it's as if the car goes into neutral.

Tomorrow we'll see if I can afford to save the car.

Any ideas? Let me know...

speedy266 · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Ontario, Canada

a full tranny fluid service, and have them inspect it. Get some Lucas tranny oil. Also check if ur car has a tranny cooler, that its working and ur fluid is not overheating.

73Delta88 · Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 6:36 pm Post subject:

hmmm, let see here.... well if you want to get any money for it with a junk transmission, and have good insurance, you need to total it and make them think it was perfect before it got totaled :lol: I'd say have a buddy "steal" your car and smash it up beyond repair... or you could always go for the "brakes gave out on the boat ramp" story.... actually no, set fire to it (the gas tank spontaniously exploded) and THEN push it down the boat ramp, once the fire at least destroies the interior. Just make sure you have your story straight when they ask you what you were doing on the boat ramp! 8-[ :laughing:

88delta88 · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2407 Location: Canada

sounds like that tranny bit it bigtime... Just like my old caddy. One day I was driving and it wouldnt shift out of second, then at the next light, it wouldnt shift out of first... Then I parked at school, and I couldnt back out! It was stuck in drive, no matter what I selected...

I was on my way to the tranny shop, and just a block before, a huge BANG, and I had no power AT ALL. I had just enough momentum to cruise into the alley behind the tranny shop :-) I thought that was WAY too convienent. They thought it was pretty funny aswell :-)

Is the car itself worth rebuilding the tranny? It would likely cost you around 2G's.

Netdewt · Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 99 Location: Minneapolis, MN

not really worth it... it'll cost $1500 at a certain guy my dad goes to.

i think i'm gonna get it replaced just because i don't have money for a new car, and $1500 is a lot cheaper than buying a new car, or even a decent used car.

i've thought about replacing it myself, but in the end i doubt i'd save myself much.

88delta88 · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2407 Location: Canada

what are you talking about? Education isnt worth it in the end? :-) I feel for ya, having a vital part go on your car just ruins everything. Good luck - do you think maybe a used tranny would be an idea? (possibly run into the same problem who knows when?)

Netdewt · Joined: 03 Apr 2004 Posts: 99 Location: Minneapolis, MN

The "new" tranny is a rebuilt. Should be done by Friday, I get to drive my dad's Chevy Astro van until then.

If I had a lift, I'd try to do it myself in a heartbeat, but all I have is front wheel ramps.

I talked to my cousin, who lives in Detroit and works as a BMW mechenic, asked him what he thought I should do. He said I found a good deal and all the major bugs should be worked out of my car. The only other things Cieras have had problems with is ignition coils. He looked in a database he has access to and found an unusually large amount of incidences of Ciera/other GM trannies dying early.

88delta88 · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2407 Location: Canada

mine's on the verge aswell... The trannies of this era from GM werent particularily well designed. I think 86delta would agree? :-)

speedy266 · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Ontario, Canada

My tranny is acting funny as well. At WOT conditions it revs up like no tomorrow but doesnt go anywhere, if i take it up slowly where im not at WOT its alright.

88delta88 · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2407 Location: Canada

slippage fix (temporary of course) : lucas transmission additive. I stuck some in mine, and it sharpened up shift points, and no slippage. I dont know how long it will help for, but it works good, and everyone I know recommends it.