ABQjournal: Transmission Coming to End of Its Life

Saturday, February 17, 2001

Transmission Coming to End of Its Life

Journal Staff Report
    DEAR CAR CLINIC: I have a 1990 Plymouth Sundance with 135,000 miles. I feel a slight hesitation when I press on the gas and hear a groaning noise when putting the car into Drive. Also there's an engine vibration when stopped at a light and I smell an odor if the car stays running in Park for too long.
    I took the car to two transmission shops and both said the transmission fluid was burnt and that the transmission was virtually shot and the motor mounts needed replacement. However, 5,000 miles later the car still runs OK and doesn't hesitate as long as I don't step on the gas too hard.
    Other than this the car is in good shape as I have invested a lot of money in keeping it up. Should I change the transmission fluid (last done 32,000 miles ago) or do you feel the transmission and motor mounts should be repaired/replaced? Or do you think I still have some mileage left in the car as is? -- J.O., Albuquerque
    DEAR J.O.: You need to ask yourself: Is your 1990 Plymouth Sundance worth repairing?
    All good things come to an end, and I am afraid that's the case with your transmission. It has served you well for lots of miles.
    If it is the opinion of two repair shops that your motor mounts and transmission are on their last legs then, without looking at your car, I would tend to agree. I would venture to say, however, that with careful driving — not letting the engine rev up during those "hesitations" when you step on the gas — it has more life left ... until it doesn't.
    Bad motor mounts cause all kinds of problems, the most annoying being rattles and squeaks. Vibrations will destroy the car, piece by piece. Electronic components, wiring harnesses and solder joints get shaken apart and are expensive to repair or replace.
    Good luck with your decision. -- Jim Maddox, Jim's Automotive Inc., Albuquerque

    DEAR CAR CLINIC: I have a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Every once in a while when I try to start the car, the alarm/security system goes off. If I lock and unlock the electric door locks, the car starts with no problem.
    Any suggestions on how to fix this? Or can I just disconnect the system entirely? -- B.K., Gallup
    DEAR B.K.: Your Jeep's security system has a fault in it that will require some investigative work.
    Today's cars with built-in security can be a mechanic's worst nightmare. Your problem could be in the locks and switches attached to them, wiring or the control unit itself.
    Jeep's security system requires the locks be operated with the key to override it. Say you leave a passenger inside who locks the doors while you're gone and then unlocks them for you when you return. When you open your door, the horn should sound and the lights flash at the same time. But by using your key to unlock the vehicle the system will be shut off and reset.
    I have never been asked to disable this type of alarm system and really don't know if you can just simply unplug the control module. Your Jeep dealer would be able to answer this question or have your mechanic find the module and unplug it and try it for you. --Jim Maddox, Jim's Automotive Inc., Albuquerque

Answers in this column are provided by Albuquerque-area automotive service shops. Got a question about your car, truck, van or RV? Describe your problem (please be brief!) and fax it to (505) 823-3994 or mail it to Car Clinic, Albuquerque Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.