I think my car's transmission has sh*t the bed

[midnight armadillo]

While on the highway last night, the auto transmission in my 93 Corolla suddenly shifted itself into neutral (gearshift was still on D).

While coasting in the breakdown lane, I moved it from neutral to drive 6-7 times before it kicked back into gear.

Does anyone know a) what happened and b) how expensive is this to fix?!?
I had some trouble with it last winter not shifting into high gear but that was on some of those 2 degree days. Thanks!

[BiggJawn]

1. When was the last time you checked the fluid level?

Auto trannies work on hydraulics. If there is not enough fluid to get pumped around to keep the clutches engaged, you just sit there and go no place.
Check the level of the fluid. Follow the directions in the owner's manual.

If that's not it, then it's time to go to the shop. Gearboxes are usually out of the scope of the shadetree mechanic...

[Beaker]

2. you need to check the tranny fluid with the engine running

and the shifter set to Park.

if there's some adjustment left in the clutch, it may not mean a replacement just yet...how many miles are on the car?

[jukes]

4. no clutch

poster stated auto xmission.

[Beaker]

5. Automatic transmissions still have a clutch-

it's just not a manual one...but it can be adjusted.

[jukes]

6. i understood

that it's a "torque converter", but admit to little knowledge of automatics.

like masterbation w/ a vibrator. might be fun, but i like manual control. :evilgrin:

[jukes]

3. lovely metaphor!

probably a dirty screen. auto Xmissions have a screen filter to exclude shavings & dirt from effing the gears. easy to fix. if you've got tools/facilities buy a haynes manual on your make/mod @ a parts store, $15/$20. tons of maint/repair tips, good illustrations. usu easy to access: plate w/four screws.

a mechanic can do it easy/cheap: 1 hr labor, no parts except repl fluid. just don't let them b/s you that's it's something more. if you get a high quote & a bunch of jargon, get 2nd opinion.

you might just be low on fluid, so ck, but i bet screen.

[midnight armadillo]

7. Thanks everyone!

The car had its transmission fluid changed last winter after the shifting trouble then.

I will ask my mechanic (a good honest one, seriously) to look into the clutch adjustment and filter screen. Unfortunately he can't do so til tomorrow. Thanks for your help!! Virtual beer is on me.:beer:

Agh, I'm so sick of this car. Earlier this summer I had to replace the ECU and airbag sensor (bought from a toyota recycler for $190 total for the two parts and did 'em myself - dealer wanted like $1500 for both!!!), and it just got a new starter motor, AC service, and could use a new radiator.

The bitch of it is that I only need the car for the next 6 weeks - I can then return to either the commuter rail or will have a new job that'll pay enough to replace it. :grr:

[Beaker]

8. we have a jetta that had a 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty...

the automatic transmission started going out between 75,000-80,000 miles...the dealership adjusted the clutch a couple times, trying to nurse it to 100K, but at 94,000 it died and they had to replace it.

we just bought a used Beetle, and had a choice between a 2001 and a 2002- we found out that the 2001 had the same 100K/10yr warranty, but beginning in 2002 VW switched to a 60K/5year plan for the drivetrain- so we went with the 2001.

[midnight armadillo]

9. One more reason to drive stick

At least with a stick shift you're unlikely to ever kill the actual gearbox unless you abuse it, and clutches typically fail gradually. my old '90 Camry took 175,000 miles on the original clutch and master cylinder before it started popping out of gear under hard acceleration.

My next car will be a stick shift...

Actually, the Corolla has about 114,000 miles, so that's pretty close to the lifespan on your Jetta.