02 esteem transmission-help!

mbdog · 03-21-2009, 07:49 AM

transmission not performing right, check engine light indicated a failed solenoid, replacing solenoid didn't fix problem, now I'm told I need a new transmission! 58K! anyone ever heard of this? Check engine light indicated TCC solenoid malfunction just prior to this but car ran fine...

jim_naisium · 03-21-2009, 11:53 PM

I'm assuming that you have an automatic transmission by your description of the problems.

What is the transmission not doing correctly?
What gears do you have that work?
What gears do you have that don't work?
What gears sort of work or try to work but don't?
How many miles has it been since the fluid was changed?
What color is the fluid?
Does the fluid smell burnt?
Do you hear any strange noises prior to it not working correctly?
Did you notice a drop in performance before this happened?

Unless this car was not properly maintained or abused up to this point, at 58k miles you should not be having any trouble with the transmission.

mbdog · 03-22-2009, 08:39 AM

the car doesn't want to shift into first gear, it seems to want to just "keep going." First noticed it at a red light when I had to really apply the brakes to get it to stop. Seems to run ok in 2nd or 3rd. If I brake to slow down there is a rhythmic thumping from the back end. If I try to put it in reverse it will kill. Computer diagnostic indicated a bad solenoid (not sure which one). That was replaced to the tune of over $700 but didn't fix the problem. Suzuki's flowchart says in that case you must replace the transmission. Prior to the sudden onset I had no problems. Not sure when the fluid was replaced if ever. I know it "shouldn't" have to be replaced but that's what I'm told.
thanks!

jim_naisium · 03-22-2009, 10:35 PM

If I understand you correctly the car will accelerate from a dead stop and go through 2nd gear, then into 3rd gear where it drives fine, then when you are slowing down it will drop back into 2nd but will not drop back into 1st and then the car is very hard to stop.

This sounds like your throttle body butterfly valve is not completely closing or there is something wrong with your throttle position sensor, for some reason the car still thinks you have your foot on the gas pedal and until the right conditions are met (engine RPM and car speed mainly) the transmission will not drop back into 1st gear, this is where I would start.

The rhythmic thumping from the back end of the car sounds like an out of round brake drum, this is usually caused by the brakes overheating while trying to stop on a long steep hill and then immediately putting on the parking brake and leaving the car sitting for several hours, the brake drum ends up cooling off in an oval shape. If you have disc brakes in the rear one or both of the discs is probably warped.

What do you mean by: "If I try to put it in reverse it will kill."? Do you mean that when you put it into Reverse the engine instantly stalls and dies?

Yes the Owner's Manual says that the transmission fluid does not need to be replaced for 100,000 miles but my 1999 Esteem's automatic transmission's fluid was brown and burnt at 77k miles and had to be replaced. If it is burnt, Valvoline makes a transmission fluid for cars with over 75k miles, I would start using it now, I am at 133,000+ miles and have no noticeable problems with shifting.

Hope this helps.

Isuzuzuki man · 03-22-2009, 11:25 PM

I believe you have a stuck TCC, meaning it won't disengage and hence its like braking a standard shift without pressing in on the clutch. The thumping I think is just the rear brakes having to work so hard, I remember mine made a noise like that once during some hard braking, hope this helps any, good luck.

I drain and replace the fluid at every other oil change, about 2.5 qts, it stays nice and fresh, maybe I change it to much but fluid is cheaper than transmissions.

mbdog · 03-23-2009, 06:24 AM

according to the mechanic, the computer diagnostic indicated a stuck tcc, which was replaced but didn't fix the problem. the flowchart says the next step is to replace the transmission. my question is, are there any other possible options?? thanks.

Isuzuzuki man · 03-23-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbdog

according to the mechanic, the computer diagnostic indicated a stuck tcc, which was replaced but didn't fix the problem. the flowchart says the next step is to replace the transmission. my question is, are there any other possible options?? thanks.

Nope, new transmission should fix it right up.

mbdog · 03-23-2009, 12:19 PM

I've been quoted $4000 parts & labor for a new tranny. they're searching nationwide for a used one. should I fix it, at < 60K, no other major problems, well-maintained?

Isuzuzuki man · 03-24-2009, 02:25 PM

I was going to say, what makes the person that worked on the TCC perfect? I would question what is exactly broken, and why a new TCC won't fix it.
People can throw parts at a vehicle all day and sooner or later fix it, a real tech can diagnose a problem and know what it needs to be fixed the first time.

nufrosty · 03-24-2009, 04:10 PM

I would suggest that if you do end up going with a used one, check out Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market while negotiating a price. I've had good luck using these prices as ammunition for getting the shops to knock down the prices.

And, I had a shop ready to replace a transmission (installed) with a used one for around $1000 cdn (99 Esteem 1.6L).

But, then I found my real problem, which was nothing like yours.

Before you shell out the money, I would question the TCC some more, like Isuzuzuki man suggests.