Ply Voyg LE Trans problem

[Thomas L. Bates]

When cold the van takes off right away when in D. Then you stop and it
hesitates before engaging and does this until things warm up and then it
does not seem to re-appear.

Garage says the trans is kaput and needs replacing and does not
recommend rebuild as they say you then have old and new mixed parts,
etc., and something could fail right away again. They recommend new.

A buddy says he had this problem and put in some additive, the name of
which he doesn't remember, and it totally cured the problem, along with
a change of fluid before adding the stuff. He doesn't remember the name.
So, I went to store and there was a product called "Lucas" transmission
additive that claims to cure these ills but store guy said he'd heard of
it wrecking transmissions. Store mgr said that didn't happen.

So, time to stand on everyone's shoulders. What's the story. The Van has
80,000+ and body is in great shape. The only other problem is the ABS
system which needs a new pump. The engine burns little or no oil.

Comments?

 

[Daniel J Stern]

When cold the van takes off right away when in D. Then you stop and it
hesitates before engaging and does this until things warm up and then it
does not seem to re-appear.

We need more information on your vehicle. Which transmission do you have,
the 3-speed or the 4-speed? If you're not sure, look at the gear indicator
quadrant on the dashboard. If it says "P RND21", it's the 3-speed. If it
says "P RND3L", it's the 4-speed. Also, what engine do you have? Also,
what year is the van? Also, how many miles or KM are on it?

Garage says the trans is kaput and needs replacing and does not
recommend rebuild as they say you then have old and new mixed parts,
etc., and something could fail right away again. They recommend new.

This is horseshit. Regardless of whether you have the 3- or the 4-speed
auto, the transmission is *fully* rebuildable. What the garage is telling
you is that they do not know how to properly diagnose and repair your
particular problem, so they'd rather soak you for a whole lotta cash to
replace your entire transmission with what is almost certain to be not a
"new" transmission but a factory remanufactured one. Remanufactured
transmissions are notorious for being substantially inferior to bench
*rebuilt* units. But it's in no way certain that your transmission is
"kaput". It may need only a minor repair and adjustment. Suggest you get
the van without delay to a reputable INDEPENDENT (no SCAAMCO type
franchise houses, please) transmission mechanic who will do proper
diagnosis, find the problem, and advise on the extent of repairs needed.

A buddy says he had this problem and put in some additive, the name of
which he doesn't remember, and it totally cured the problem,

It did no such thing. It *masked the symptom* and , meanwhile the
underlying cause was not addressed and though the symptom was no longer
present, damage was continuing to worsen. Please do not add anything to
your transmission except the correct type of fluid.

DS