Deciding to Resurrect the 03' Transmission / Transmission Troubleshooting

[Flash619]

As some of you may know, I recently had a thread deciding whether or not it was worth fixing my 03' PT with it's failing transmission, I've decided to save it because theirs absolutely no way I will find a car for the cost to fix this one.

My biggest issue is troubleshooting this transmission. It's a 4 speed auto, was just replaced with a used trans that had roughly 150k miles on it.

So far, this is what I know:

• Every gear has the same result.
• The transmission fails to engage while giving gas.
• After playing with the RPM for about 5min it will catch.
• Once it catches, it's only good for maybe 5 - 15 seconds before it disengages.
• Fluid is within proper level.

Now I'm all for buying a new used $500 transmission as much as the next guy, but if I can fix this thing vs that massive cost, that's a good option too.

I think it's either an issue with the valve-body, torque converter, or maybe the pump, or a speed sensor. (theirs a lot that it could be and I could be very wrong in my assumptions).

I don't think its a solenoid issue because reverse does go in reverse, and drive does go forward, so at least it's on the right gear.

More info on this car:

Car Info:
Year: 2003
Mileage: 175k
Engine: 2.4L 4Cyl Non-Turbo
Trim: LTD
Trans: Auto

[rob302]

Originally Posted by Flash619

As some of you may know, I recently had a thread deciding whether or not it was worth fixing my 03' PT with it's failing transmission, I've decided to save it because theirs absolutely no way I will find a car for the cost to fix this one.

My biggest issue is troubleshooting this transmission. It's a 4 speed auto, was just replaced with a used trans that had roughly 150k miles on it.

So far, this is what I know:

• Every gear has the same result.
• The transmission fails to engage while giving gas.
• After playing with the RPM for about 5min it will catch.
• Once it catches, it's only good for maybe 5 - 15 seconds before it disengages.
• Fluid is within proper level.

Now I'm all for buying a new used $500 transmission as much as the next guy, but if I can fix this thing vs that massive cost, that's a good option too.

I think it's either an issue with the valve-body, torque converter, or maybe the pump, or a speed sensor. (theirs a lot that it could be and I could be very wrong in my assumptions).

I don't think its a solenoid issue because reverse does go in reverse, and drive does go forward, so at least it's on the right gear.

More info on this car:

Car Info:
Year: 2003
Mileage: 175k
Engine: 2.4L 4Cyl Non-Turbo
Trim: LTD
Trans: Auto

500 is not a massive cost. I just spent 4 something for a rebuild kit, around 70 for tools, another 160 for a gear and machine work. I did a great job but now 4-5k miles later I'm looking forward to spending around 1600 in parts to make sure i replace all the possible failure parts. Change second, third fails, etc... When i could buy a stock trans for 1700. But i like playing and stock stuff kinda bores me. Saving money and repairing a trans don't really go together. Saving money would be buying the trans for 500, imo.

In order to save money by doing what you are proposing, your need to tear it down with an expert by your side that could tell you exactly what to change. The expert usually knows better and buys the $500 trans though.

[svtnos]

I would try a new solenoid pack first.. they are less than $100 and are easy to change.. i know alot of people probably disagree with throwing parts at it hoping to fix it, but imo this is probably what i would do.. and im not rich by any means and would be in a bind if my options were to have it rebuilt or pay $500 for a used trans..