Thread: whine when in reverse usually on cold start '04 GT 3.8L

I have had an intermittent problem with my GP. On cold starts it whines and grinds when initially put into reverse. Anyone know of any issues with the '04s that makes it do this. Once its warm it doesn't happen

145300. I don't know about tranny issues in the past. I bought the vehicle used from a dealer about 9 months ago. Of course I didn't get a carfax as it was a cash car. The fluid seems to be clear and at normal levels. Then again the fluid may be totally fouled and a quart low as I'm somewhat of a newbie on tranny issues. Know how to check it but that's about it.

As long as you check it when it is fully hot, in park and running and on a level surface you will have a good read on the dipstick. Wipe it on a clean WHITE towel to check the color. Should be nice and red and not smell burnt.

My rule is- When I get a car that I know none of the maint. history on I change every fluid and filter, regardless of what the seller has "said" they changed. Then I know what has been done and what hasn't. At that mileage I would NOT flush the trans, just do a simple pan drop, change the filter and refill w/ Dex VI and call it a day. If you want to help it live longer maybe install a shift kit and add a quart of Lucas to it when refilling.

I definitely second the pan drop, and NO flush. Flushing transmissions hardly ever works out well, it works better for a few weeks/months, then ****s the bed. You can reuse the old pan gasket if it looks fine, and make sure to wipe the magnet in the pan clean. It will be covered in metallic goo, and it's normal. You just dont want to see chunks of metal.

A always recommend a shift kit with these transmissions. Like FordMan said, it will help extend the life of the transmission in general, and I personally love the feel after I put mine in, very quick, firm shifts. It even reduced my temps by a consistent 10-15 degrees depending on driving conditions.

And in my personal opinion (we'll see if anyone disagrees), any brand of Dexron VI fluid will work, as if it meets the Dex VI certification, it's more than good enough already. I honestly used Walmart's Supertech brand Dexron VI since it's so damn cheap, with two closely spaced pan drops and filter changes, and I have had no problems since doing that a year ago. I wouldn't use Supertech motor oil though...

Sorry it took so long, been kinda hectic. I checked it and it was brownish red but didn't smell burnt that I could tell. When I get a free weekend I'll drop the pan. Problem is, I live in an apt complex so no garage. Luckily I'm in Tx so weather shouldn't be an issue. Question though, should I take the pan completely off or just drain the fluid. I've seen differing opinions.

secondly, could anyone give me an honest quote on the price fixing a dead cylinder. May be a lifter issue, spring issue or piston issue. Have to break down the engine to find out for sure. Took it to a dealership and gotta pay $375 just to identify the problem. Its not a tune up issue, not a ignition or injector issue. I know how to check all that.

Newbie question, will the shift kit make the car manual. Haven't driven a manual in thirty years or so. :-)