Ok here is the deal I know this transmission issue has been covered but my 97 automatic trans just drops out of gear and stops working. I can shut the car off and wait 5 mins and start up and go for about another mile and repeat. Well this is my second trans I have put in and same dang issue. The first one started slipping then 3 weeks ago just stop working (off on thing didn't work) put in 2nd trans and it quit after about 20 miles. I know this second trans was good I got to test drive it before it was removed. Only part that was reused was the converter. Could this be a electrical or converter issue any help is god right now. Thanks

 

Torque converter was full of debris from the previous transmission failure. Chances are it's now plugged up the internal filter in this transmission necessitating yet another transmission replacement or rebuild.

Always, always, always replace the torque convert or have it rebuilt when replacing the transmission, and always flush out the cooler and lines.

 

I flushed the radiator cooler separately and filled with fresh fluid. Then after trans install I used the lines going the radiator to flush trans until all fluid was fresh and red. But I guess I should have replaced that converter. So you think the trans is toast or could I try replacing the converter? Also how can you tell if a converter is bad ( always preferred std trans) never knew how they feel if they when they go bad. I know they are like centrifugal pumps and I know those very well but with all the engine mounts and other vibration dampers I don't feel much. Sorry if I understand cause and signs of failures maybe I can prevent later. Thank you for your knowledge.

 

You need to replace the trans and converter.

 

Unfortunately, you will have to replace both. What you did was to make the working trans non working by allowing all the junk from the reused Torque Converter (TC) to enter the transmission.

Just replacing the TC now won't change the condition of the now defunked transmission. You are back to square one and need to replace both. For added measure I would also replace the radiator so the trans cooler is brand new too and I would also add a magnefine filter inline but that's me.

If you had the tools, time, money and knowledge to rebuild one of the transmissions, you could do that too. At this point though, the only fix is to replace both the transmission and TC. I'd also reflush the cooler without any transmission installed so you know it's clean for the replacement parts.

 

I was afraid that was the case. Wish I had the time or money to do it again. Looks like it's time to part it out and go back to my dodge. I will miss the great milage. Again I appreciate the help.

 

Have a transmission shop cut it open, that really is the only way.

 

Well tore down first trans to see damage and how bad the filter was. Outer clutch pack was completely worn (Friction disks worn into steels). That explained slippage but, filter wasn't badly clogged the valve body was thou. Ordering rebuild kit for this and will just drive my van for a while due to my lack of time per day to work on it. I have worked on extremely large gear boxes and pumps for about 15 yrs before going to truck driving so I was happy to see how much they have in common. So time for the fun.

 

Don't forget to replace the converter this time around!

 

Yes please replace the torque converter.

 

Most definitely. Will not forget that also someone mentioned the cooler.

 

That's the other location debris collects and can come loose shooting back into a good tranny thus killing it. You are starting with a fresh tranny and converter, might as well spend 100 bucks more and do your radiator/tranny cooler combo.