Automotive question

[medjay]

The past couple of days my '94 Astro has been demonstrating some sluggish acceleration. On the highway I'll reach 30mph and nothing. Pedal to the metal and no shifting of gears. I ease off and try it again and it slips into gear, no problem.

I've noticed that this only happens when I first start driving and not after the van gets up to temperature. After that it runs just fine.

Is my transmission about to go haywire? Does the temperature have anything to do with it? If my transmission needs work does the fact that it's a rear wheel drive help me?

A few opinions would be great before I go under the hood and/or take it in to the shop.

 

[morninggirl5]

Definitely sounds like it's a transmission problem.

Don't think the front-wheel vs rear-wheel drive will make any difference.

Check the transmission fluid. Perhaps, it's low.

 

[Nogard]

Check the solenoid that locks up the torque converter

 

[busybody..]

steal another car

 

[Cozen.rm]

Or maybe the transmission fluid pump.

I think rear wheel drive is cheaper due to less labor in dropping it out and working on it. But I've always had rear wheel drive.

 

[Wizard]

Sounds like Tranny to me............

 

[Ishmael]

With the new ECM modules and all they control it could be anything. I suspect it's a sensor though.

You can spend about $30 and get a computer readout module, or take it to the dealership.

If the vehicle is not developing sufficient power, like the choke is stuck, the ECM will keep the tranny from shifting. It may be doing exactly as it's being told.

Ishmael

 

[SINthysist]

It's a '94!

It's gonna get sluggish.

That's why the best athletes are under 120...

 

[MissTaken]

When my transmission went, it was sluggish even after getting warmed up. IN particular, getting to the top of inclines was a bit difficult.

However, it does sound like transmission fluid and a filter might be in order.

If nothing else, it may fix teh problem for a little bit.

Good luck.

 

[SINthysist]

Ish, you know about cars what you know about China !

 

[Ishmael]

Ish, you know about cars what you know about China !

Yep.

I just went through an episode with a little truck I picked up. Ran like shit. The kid I got it from told me the timing belt jumped and it needed a new head. So I got the truck for next to nothing.

Did a compression test, everything was to spec there, so out the window went the valve problem. Did a few other basic tests and wallah, found it. It was the vacumn advance diaphram on the distributor. Had a hole in the bellows. Replaced it for $20 and on the road again.

Ishmael

 

[MissTaken]

Okay Ish...

all this talk about

"Jumping"

combined with references to valves and diaphragms really makes me hot.





You even reference a "head" and a "hole"

Are you this close to all your vehicles?

 

[Thin Man]

Changing the fluid

Changing the fluid and filter seldom do any good to a tranny with a problem.
Pull the dipstick and check color and smell of fluid. Should be nice pink and smell nice. If discolored (brown) and smells bad, then you may have a problem.

 

[LukkyKnight]

Have you checked the canuter valve?

 

[Lancecastor]

Add: Catalytic convertor plugged? to your list.

Plus...Astros are transmission electronics & sensor trouble.

 

[Lost Cause]

I agree..

Go to a neighborhood shop and have a full computer diagnostics done. The readout will point out where to go instead of randomly R&R every suspect part, it will save you hours. They may even have a "squawk" in one of their repair books about that problem.
Get a 1966-1970 classic car, then it'll be either points, or a transmission pressure problem. (if automatic xmission)

 

[LukkyKnight]

Did somebody say squawk?

"Squawks" are problem listings that pilots generally leave for maintenance crews to fix before next flight;Here are some (alleged) actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews. ("Action" indicates the corrective action taken and/or other response by the mechanic.)

Squawk: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement
Action: Almost replaced left inside main tire

Squawk: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough
Action: Autoland not installed on this aircraft

Squawk: #2 Propeller seeping prop fluid,
Action: #2 Propeller seepage normal; #1 #3 and #4 propellers lack normal seepage

Squawk: Something loose in cockpit
Action: Something tightened in cockpit

Squawk: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear
Action: Evidence removed

Squawk: DME volume unbelievably loud
Action: Volume set to more believable level

Squawk: Dead bugs on windshield
Action: Live bugs on order

Squawk: Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent
Action: Cannot reproduce problem on ground

Squawk: IFF inoperative
Action: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode

Squawk: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick
Action: That's what they're there for

Squawk: Number three engine missing
Action: Engine found on right wing after brief search

Squawk: Aircraft handles funny
Action: Aircraft warned to straighten up, "fly right" and be serious