Can't go...assuming transmission is out?

[oldcar]

Hi...have a '93 4 cylinder MX-3. It just started doing this thing where randomly while driving, the engine would just suddenly rev, and not accelerate. Well, the other day, I was driving and it started doing it really bad, and I had to pull over. After it sat for 10 minutes, I was able to drive it home.

The next day I attempted to drive it a few blocks and it seemed ok. Then it started doing the revving thing again, and I had to roll into a church parking lot. Engine running, but can't feel anything when shifting from Park, Drive, Neutral, etc.

I walked a mile to an auto parts store, and bought some Lucas Transmission Fix stuff. The guy there said it saved an old car of his with a worn transmission. I didn't have high hopes for this, and was right. It didn't make a difference at all. Can't even drive the car out of the parking lot.

So I'm assuming my transmission has gone out....

Thanks for any info.

[oldcar]

I forgot to mention--while all this was happening, the "HOLD" light was coming on randomly, even though I hadn't touched the hold button on the shifter handle. Not sure if that means much.

[crazycanadian]

The hold light is an indication there is a trouble code. You will need to get the light to blick the code. I forget how to do that though.

Before you go thinking the transmission is gone check the fluid level. Since the car has been sitting check it first beofore you start up the car and not where the level is. Start the car let it run for a min or 2 then check the level again while the car is idling in park. Make sure the level is at the proper mark.

[oldcar]

Thanks. First thing I did was check to see how the transmission fluid level was. I had some kind of hope that maybe it was low and the problem could be fixed by topping it off...I did check it both hot and cold (engine running and also off).

[crazycanadian]

Thanks. First thing I did was check to see how the transmission fluid level was. I had some kind of hope that maybe it was low and the problem could be fixed by topping it off...I did check it both hot and cold (engine running and also off).

The trick is after its been sitting for a long tme/over night... If the fluid level goes down after you start it, then you've eliminated a pump/torque converter problem... If it doesn't go down you might get lucky.. You might be able to just pull the transmission and replace the shaft that drives the pump, or the torque converter if the splines stripped...

Does it move at all if you put it in manual low?

[crazycanadian]

Thanks. First thing I did was check to see how the transmission fluid level was. I had some kind of hope that maybe it was low and the problem could be fixed by topping it off...I did check it both hot and cold (engine running and also off).

The trick is after its been sitting for a long tme/over night... If the fluid level goes down after you start it, then you've eliminated a pump/torque converter problem... If it doesn't go down you might get lucky.. You might be able to just pull the transmission and replace the shaft that drives the pump, or the torque converter if the splines stripped... If I remember correctly the mx3 autos have the pump on the back side of the transmission, accessible threw drivers side wheel well... I think its even possible to pull the pump out with the transmission still in the car and check if the pump is broken or the bump shaft is broken.. If the pump shaft is broken I believe its possible to replace the pump shaft with out taking the transmission out... Usually the pump seizes up though causing the shaft to break...

Does it move at all if you put it in manual low?

[oldcar]

Does it move at all if you put it in manual low?

Hmmmmm....well, what happened several times was I let the car sit for 10-15 minutes, and was able to drive it around the parking lot until I guess it warmed back up, and it would stop responding again. What ended up happening the last few tries was that it wouldn't move at all. Sitting in a parking space after being left alone for a long time, I'd start the car, and not get any response shifting into reverse, or drive, etc...I don't know that I tried getting any response out of Low other than shifting through them all & not feeling anything engage.

[Sleeper6]

try a new filter and fresh fluid, might help.

[mitmaks]

If you start the car, can you shift it through the gears? I would check fluid to make sure its at proper level.
http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/showimg.php ... _K-141.gif

[crazycanadian]

Does it move at all if you put it in manual low?

Hmmmmm....well, what happened several times was I let the car sit for 10-15 minutes, and was able to drive it around the parking lot until I guess it warmed back up, and it would stop responding again. What ended up happening the last few tries was that it wouldn't move at all. Sitting in a parking space after being left alone for a long time, I'd start the car, and not get any response shifting into reverse, or drive, etc...I don't know that I tried getting any response out of Low other than shifting through them all & not feeling anything engage.

With that explanation it gives me a better idea of whats happned... You've had something come apart internally.. It was causing the filter to slowly plug up as your drove.. once it became plugged up to a point the transmission starved for oil and you would loose the ability to move... Little the car it some of the crap inside the filter would fall out allowing you to move... This will only happen so often, because eventually the flilter just gets plugged up and stays plugged up...

You may be able to change the filter and keep driving.. If you do drop the pan and change the filter take some pictures of it and what you find in the pan... With cloth looking type filters (the filter material is inside the metal/plastic casing) I would normally split the filter open and check whats inside.. If its a screen type filter then there isn't any point to splitting it open...

Either way somethings coming apart causing the problem...

[oldcar]

Thanks for the info...how difficult is it to drain the fluid and change the filter? Is it anything as simple as changing the oil?

How likely is it that this could work? There's a mechanic shop down the street; for whatever they might charge to do this, would it be worth spending the money in the likelihood it might get me back up and running? Or am I likely spending money on what might still end up being a dead car?

[Surgeonasst222]

Thanks for the info...how difficult is it to drain the fluid and change the filter? Is it anything as simple as changing the oil?

How likely is it that this could work? There's a mechanic shop down the street; for whatever they might charge to do this, would it be worth spending the money in the likelihood it might get me back up and running? Or am I likely spending money on what might still end up being a dead car?

DIY pages are here!

Without pics:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43318

With pics:
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=53360

I found both a helpful read!

Hope it works, and good luck!