From my previous two threads relating to the Code 39 and the wheel runouts, the problem finally revealed itself. Funny thing too, I had the transmission pan dropped again, and I had the pan gasket, filter, and fluid changed just yesterday. No metal shavings and it was very clean.

As the car was accelerating up around the 40mph range, the wheel shuddering came back and then disappeared again when it went past 45-50mph. My engine scanner revealed Code 39 had once again been stored in the ECM's trouble code history. I did two diagnostic tests with my scanner and definitely saw that the TCC locking engagement was taking a long time when it shouldn't. In addition, I noticed intermittently a strange clicking noise coming from my brake pedal.

Finally, the transmission engagement is now getting really mushy going from stop to go. In some instances also going from 1-2mph accelerating quickly to 15-20mph I feel a shuddering. It is most definitely accelerating from 2nd instead of 1st.

There's no denying that the brake input switch to the TCC will have to be replaced. The entire torque converter will most likely have to be replaced as well as the TCC solenoid. That's probably $325 right there. Depending upon what else is wrong internally, I could definitely see myself spending upwards to $1600. I'll definitely know for sure this week.

I definitely got "OWNED" on this one, even with all the necessary precautions I've taken. As soon as this is done and over with, I'm going get another spare rebuilt transmission and just keep it in my garage as a backup.

Definitely sucks. How many miles on the car?. Mine went at 110K(?) and then at 113,5xx. Wouldn't even move. First time it was the internal clutches going out (I think) and also the final drive was screwed. Second time the final drive gear was fubared as well, but got it replaced under warranty. It kept trying to grind and slip into 3rd and 4th. $1600 isn't that bad. Mine was $2100.

Good luck and keep truckin!

You're right, Adam. It isn't bad at all. I'm at 221,888 miles right now. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'll keep you posted.

I never thought I'd see myself doing this, but I went to Walmart yesterday and bought a bicycle to use as transportation until my transmission is fixed. Can't believe how sore my legs felt yesterday, not having ridden one in so long.

put a motor on your bike... I put a 48CC manual clutch chain drive motor on my mountain bike. It takes me to 50km/h, and does hills very nicely indeed. Plus, I can drive to and from work everyday for 2 weeks on 2.5L of premixed gas... That would save your legs some suffering!

Aaron, you are a creative genius. You rock!

Ooohh...60cc

Pretty cool stuff, remember you mentioning that quite a while ago...

TOC Admin
Brando

Thats basically it, except mine doesnt have a pull start, or a centrifugal clutch. They're great. Gas milage exceptional. I get looks like you wouldnt beleive (good thing I cant hear what they're saying... Most just point and smirk, but I know they're jealous)

sucks man, mine went out at 142k on it... i got a new one in there tho... dont ask why i put $1600 into it...
-Joe

make sure to put a transmission oil cooler on it....that will help a lot with the reliability of the transmission.

TOC Admin
Brando

another reliability tip - no neutral drops.

Well guys, I'm back on the road again. The entire job costed me $1,711.52. Here's the laundry list of items that were installed:

- New TCC Solenoid Brake Switch
- 6 New Freeze Plugs
- Rebuilt R/B converter
- New Overhaul Kit
- New Washer Kit
- New Final Drive Pinion Washer
- New Filter
- New Sun Gear Bushing
- New Final Drive Gear Bushing
- New Pump Shaft Bearing
- New Vacuum Modulator
- New TCC Solenoid
- New Reaction Shell
- 2 New Shims
- New Case Bushing

The car drives solid again. No mushiness when it engages. My mechanic must've really adjusted the TV cable and the vacuum modulator to synchronize with each other, because I just can't believe how solid it feels. The slight wobble I previously experienced at the 40mph range is completely gone. I haven't had a chance to drive it on the freeway yet, but I'll do it this Friday with my scanner hooked up to see how the TCC engages. I'm still planning to buy a back up tranny, though. When I first got the car, I should've just had the whole thing redone right then and there when I had the mounts replaced.

Although my bank account took a major hit today, I'm just glad to have my car back again. YAY!!!!!!

You know what guys? My whole body is thanking me right now. I don't how much longer I could've taken riding my bicycle to work.

N drops = no tranny... i learned out the hard way..

W00t, hope ya are feeling better having your car back!