'98 GT with 145k miles, daughter's car. Transmission dumped its fluid due to a front seal failure a few years ago and was a total loss. Had it completely rebuilt at a reputable shop in Nov 2008, so that's 2 1/2 years ago now.
So she's on the road to her boyfriend's house in NJ yesterday, I get a call that and she says that the car is "surging". Sounded like the TC was unlocking/relocking, she described a momentary increase in RPMs with no change in speed. This is highway speed, 65 mph. I figure it probably needs a fluid change and tell her to keep going.
She calls an hour later to say that the car is dead. Last symptoms were trying to maintain speed uphill but losing speed no matter what. The engine RPMs would stay at 3000 regardless of how much the throttle was pressed, no downshifting was happening, but the car lost all forward motion until coasing to shoulder at 15 mph. Road service flat-bedded to a local shop and I'm waiting for a call now.
Is this trans toast again?? I'm hoping maybe this maybe something simple....any advice appreciated!
UPDATE
Tech refilled the trans and took it for a ride and it shifts fine! *phew*
Diagnosis: left side axle seal leaked all trans fluid out. Fortunately DD stopped in time before the trans cooked itself.
Tech said it looked like a bad pothole or impact on the left side caused some damage...axle shaft, wheel bearing, CV boot and trans seal all damaged. Will also service the trans with new fluid and filter, total bill in the $650 range. The GP lives on!!!
