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Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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Erich_Hayner
New User
Apr 15, 2009, 5:00 PM
Post #1 of 6
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Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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'93 Olds Silhouette 3.8l 73,000 miles
Trying to help my elderly neighbor. She's had this problem for a while now:
The van must be warmed up for at least 10-15 minutes (in 65+ degree weather) before the transmission will engage in any gear. Once in gear, the transmission behaves normally. Fluid/Filter have been changed three times now.
Also:
Thermostat seems slow to open and sluggish circulation in coolant system. Cooling fans reluctant/Not working? Overheating in the past has prompted two water pump replacements (possible reversed pump?)
Brake pedal mushy (system needs flushing), ABS warning light came on recently with lack of engine power/overheating (one time thing) Code read by local Mech indeterminate results, he forgot the number, said she needed $4000.00 to fix it, and that's where I stepped in.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 15, 2009, 5:19 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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Erich; It is admirable that you have 'stepped in'. The trans. problem doesn't sound good, assuming that it isn't a plugged filter. I'm not a trans. expert, but sounds like a pump problem. I'd recommend having it checked by a reputable trans. shop. Although the mileage is very low, it is 16 yrs. old.
This thing probably had, and may still have, DexCool anti-freeze which, IMHO is junk. Causes all kinds of problems. A very good system flush and thermostat replacement sounds in order. It is very important for the engine to reach operating temp., around 200-210F. Running too cool is hard on the transmission and causes the engine to run rich which is not good for it, or fuel economy. If you do flush the system, I'd recommend going back with good, 'ol fashioned green anti-freeze.
Brakes; Although it is widely overlooked, brake fluid should be flushed every three years, regardless of mileage, but nobody does it. I'm also not a chemist, but the chemical properties of brake fluid draws moisture. Water doesn't compress well, which can contribute to a poor feeling pedal, and under heavy braking, loss of pressure. The ABS light can illuminate if the master cylinder is low or if there is a problem in the ABS system.
If it turns out that she needs a trans. overhaul, $1800.00 is not unheard of for a FWD vehicle. Most parts stores will retrieve trouble codes for you at no charge. You can post those codes here, if you wish, and we can try and help the best we can.
Loren
SW Washington
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Erich_Hayner
New User
Apr 15, 2009, 5:47 PM
Post #3 of 6
(1588 views)
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Re: Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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Thanks,
I did a half ass flush of the coolant mostly because there's a new puppy wandering around here but also the environmental warnings (we're right next to the S.F. Bay here) I put in a new thermostat to spec, BUT! I put in Dex cool, so I guess I'll have to do a real flush this time.... We'll flush the brakes this week too. But the tranny still puzzles me. I was wondering if there isn't a connection between this whole thing like an engine temperature sensor or something that's giving off a bad reading.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 15, 2009, 5:59 PM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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Erich; If it had DexCool in it already, and you've done a flush with a new thermostat, and added new DexCool, I don't think it'll help any by doing it again. Just don't mix DexCool with green anti-freeze or visa-versa. The engine should be getting up to temp.? The thermostat should be 192-195F which will get it up to the 200-210F range.
If you can sneak out a candy thermometer from you wife's collection without getting yelled at, take the engine temp in the radiator at normal operating temp. (don't rely on the guage in the dash). The cooling fan(s) may not come on until it reaches 234F. Of course, if you have the radiator cap off at this temp., take extra caution as to not get burned. A safer way is to buy an infra red temp guage. They aren't very expensive anymore and can be used for a lot of things. You may even be able to tell when the wife is mad, just by taking her temp?
Although unlikely, the coolant temp sensor could be coated with 'gunk' from the DexCool and not giving the PCM correct info. You'll need a scanner to see what the PCM is 'seeing'. But, that wouldn't have any effect on the trans. problem.
Loren
SW Washington
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Erich_Hayner
New User
Apr 15, 2009, 6:40 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1579 views)
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Re: Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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Hey now! don't get sexist here! I'm the only cook around here. My wife is useless in that department, although she's actually a fair hand at plumbing. It's my candy thermometer and I'll do what I please with it! lol.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 16, 2009, 3:43 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: Won't shift at all until engine has warmed 10-15 minutes
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You are too funny! Actually, I know several guys that do the cooking at home. I'm really fortunate to have a wife that is a fantastic cook. I'm good when it comes to Domino's or Cap'n Crunch, but that's about it.
Loren
SW Washington
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