Just recently had a flood and drove in it. Have a 97 3.0l Aerostar. No problems with transmission, but last week I was driving and came to stop and was in D and it wouldn't move forward. Since then we changed the fluid & filter and there was some sludge at the bottom of the pan. Can't afford to make major repairs any suggestions?

HELP!

 

Oops, I should have given more information. If I put the van in 2nd it will go until I get to 15mph, then I can put it in D and it will shift okay, but once I come to a stop it won't go. It sounds like it is in gear, but when I press on the pedal it will rock a little, but won't go. Called an autoshop and they said my transmission is probably going. I am hoping that is not the case, since I thought most transmissions will make lots of noise before they go. I am new to all of this mechanic stuff, so I would appreciate some suggestions or comments.

Thanks!

 

Ecleslie,

Assuming that your transmission is hosed, this procedure might help you.

I recently flushed my transmission like you did, and so you know all about that.

I am no tranny expert. However, I have a vehicle with 290,000 miles and an original transmission. I have had occasional problems with it, similar ones, but I've always been able to remedy it with the following process. I would take these measures as a last resort, and/or in the event you want to give this a try before spending a thousand or so:

1. Flush with transmission flush with Gunk tranny flush (Pep Boys, $3 a bottle)

2. Find out how to fully drain the transmission after the flush (i.e., the torque converter). You'll only get a few quarts out of this thing without draining the torque converter. If you can't figure it out, the process may work anyway...

3. Drain all the fluid out of the tranny.

4. Reassemble the pan if the old seal is satisfactory. Refill with cheap fluid and flush it again. Sure, you're wasting fluid and buying more flush. But, you're flushing it too.

5. Drain again.

6. Install new filter, new gasket, and re-fill.

7. Add two (2) bottles of transmedic.

8. Refill with B & M Trick Shift ($5 a bottle).

No guarantee this will work. In fact it might make it worse. I don't assume responsibility for what might happen. However it worked for me when I had a similar set of symptons, years ago, in my station wagon's auto tranny. In any case, this might be worth a try. FYI, this procedure was given to me by an old dirt track racer who wanted to see me save my transmission. This was 8 years ago. 290,000 miles can't be all wrong on one tranny. The engine was rebuilt in 97 though.

Good luck,
Tim

 

Thanks so much for the advice. We just got an estimate for repairs at a local shop. They quoted us $2000. Seems a bit much to me. They said I need to rebuild. I will give your remedy a try. Anything to save a couple of thousand we don't have.

E Leslie

 

I agree. I had the same quotes.

Flush it as thoroughly as you can. Get all the
debris that you an out of the system. The flush fluid,
flushing, the sacrificial fluid wash, the "Trans Medic"
x2 and "B & M Trick Shift" tranny fluid worked great from
me. I hope it works for you too. Good luck.

Tim

 

Hi mojo Hobo here,just wondering what is the verdict,not having the same problems but curious,did you try the flush,how did it turn out.I'm no specialist but that sounds like a good idea,anything to avoid spending $2000.That kind of money doesn't come easy,may sound cheap but that is my situation.
Please keep us posted.
Mojo Hobo