Thread: Need some Transmission Repair Advice - Lost Drive and 3rd

I've only posted a few times here because I'm very keen on utilizing the search function on this great forum. Since owning my 2002 Grand Prix GTP since December 2012, I've had just about every common issue come up with these and have been able to fix them pretty easily. I've had the steering rack leak, water in the floorboard, keys stuck, shifter stuck in park, P0102 code, so on and so forth. Outside of the rack, these were all really quick, easy fixes and expected for a car with nearly 150k miles. I'm afraid that is likely no longer the case.

My current problem, as the title states, is that my transmission had Drive and 3rd go out yesterday, unceremoniously to say the least. There was no thud, no whine, no slip, no SES code, nothing. Simply turned the car back on in the parking lot and she didn't engage into drive at all. There has been no obvious issues with the transmission before this. I still have reverse, 2nd, and 1st working so I was able to get it home. I first thought it was something electrical, given how sudden and unexpected it happened. But, as I continued to read, BillBoost had posted elsewhere that leads me to believe it is a broken forward band rather confidently.

I am pretty schooled on everything car related except for transmissions. I believe a diagnostic test runs about $50 locally, but with what I've read, I'm about 98% sure its the forward band issue. I know anything transmission related is serious money. Is it worth repairing or replacing? What should I be planning on spending? Should I expect a decent car life after either or more problems down the road? Sorry for the silly questions, but I literally have never had trans issues on a car.

Any information that can help me make a sound, educated decision moving forward will be really appreciated!

Thanks guys! Took it in to a reputable transmission shop today to get a diagnostic done. It will only cost me $50 and I'll know 100% what is wrong. I'll let you know what they find, but I'm pretty confident after reading that it is the forward band.

Well, you boys were indeed right. Just got a call from the shop and they want $3,000 for install of a re-manufactured! After some preliminary searching, I may have serious issues finding a JY one locally being that I'm in Central Illinois. Any additional direction on this headache would be appreciated.

I just replaced my trans by myself this past November with some help and pointers from guys on this site. My trans was slipping and I got a price of over $2400 to rebuild mine from Aamco. I went the junk yard route and found a trans with half of the miles I had on my failing trans.
Quick summary:
Used trans...$475 with 67k miles
Fluid and filter and a few misc parts...$100
I already put 16k miles on it in 8 months
No problems at all

So, I took the advice of others and attempted to source a few local junk yards for a transmission with some sort of warranty. After checking out every place within about 50 miles of me, I have turned up 1 transmission and they're asking over $1,000 for it! Seems asinine. Unfortunately, I live in Central Illinois and this ain't Chicago.

Any idea on what a 2002 GTP is worth in its current condition, knowing I only have reverse, first, and second right now and that is likely to go? Just about at the point of moving on right now.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I'd give you $300...

Try Car-Part.com It shouldn't be that diffucult.

And you might of just saved my car! There's a yard within 10 miles of me with one. If this checks out, I owe you big time sir!

Okay, so it all checks out! Found a decent deal (relative to my location) for a transmission and am picking it up tomorrow.

Outside of the trans, what items will I be needing and any additional you would recommend? I'm guessing fluid and filter, but anything else? I will not be doing it myself, have a friend that has done one and will be compensating him for his time.

Late to the party here but doesn't TEP have a rebuilt with no core charge for $14xx shipped?

JY transmission is in and the car is once again running! Appreciate the advice guys.

Now on to troubleshooting why the SES light went on afterwards for a P0102. Guessing it was unrelated, just not timely. Hoping to catch a break with this thing!

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

check the wires to the maf, and check the fuse boxes, theres a fuse for the maf somewhere. if that all checks out, get a jy maf.

you do the swap yourself?

Thanks for the advice! I used MAF cleaner last night, cleared the code and it stayed off for 3 separate trips. Granted this is off topic, but any input on the MAF sensors on Ebay? My JY wants $65 and they're $40 on Ebay. It just kicked back on today at lunch. I just want to get rid of the lights on the dashboard like you have personally experienced. My SES, SRS, ABS, TCS, and fuel sending unit are wreaking havoc on my mental state right now, lol. All of which I have found some response to on here. The new fuel sending unit went out within 4 months. I am beginning to wonder if it is an electrical issue.

As for the transmission, I assisted in it but really was there to see the process and learn mostly. I did compensate a friend and his brother for their time, but am rationalizing it as a 'learning experience'. Pan was really clean except for a huge chunk of metal, consistent with what was likely the forward band you mentioned. All totaled, it took about a day and a half. With a lift, it would have been half that time. The real challenge was navigating the removal in a 1.5 car garage with a ton of tools and junk. For the sake of time, I ended up skipping the shift kit cause I was down my main mode of transportation and would have had to wait for shipping. I installed a new filter and fluid after seeing that it was low in the JY one. So far, so good.

Originally Posted by Ginseng

^ lol Look on rockauto.com

Any experience with the Dorman off of there?