Slipping transmission

[Russ]

A couple of days ago transmission on the 95 Galant (140,000 miles) started slipping out of overdrive. Seems like it's doing it after sitting for an extended period of time (like overnight). Afterwards it works fine. I have a 30 mile commute. First thing in the morning the transmission would not shift into overdrive (however, if I pull on the shift lever, it'll shift, but then slip right out. This happened before, but on only on a couple of occasions. And at that time, it would shift right back in and there wouldn't be any problems). Made it to my destination. Later in the day had to drive around town for a little bit (everything seemed fine then). On the way home the transmission performed pretty much flawlessly.
Decided to change the fluid and filter in it today. The fluid was dark red, and the filter had all sorts of clutch material on it (no heavy shiny filings though, just thin powdery stuff). Last fluid/filter change was less than 10,000 miles ago (8 - 9 months of highway driving, and I usually try to take it easy on the car). The transmission seems to be working fine now, but the real test will be tomorrow morning.
Anyway, the question is this: should I try any of those "slippage stoppers" type of things (Lucas has one, Trans-X, etc), or Auto-Rx? Or should I just save my money?
Also, there are no magnets on the bottom of the trans. pan in this vehicle

(probably the reason why all the crud gets on the filter). Would it be wise to install one, or would it interfere with anything? If installation is a good idea, where would be a good place to get an item like that?

 

[Dan4510]

It depends on if you want to keep the car as to what to do. If you are going to get rid of it soon, just drive it till it dies.

Auto Transmissions wear all the time, it may be that you have finally worn the clutches down to teh point that they wont engage and hold.

Like you said tomorrow morning will tell. Overdrive clutches are usually smaller than the clutches for 1,2,3 gears and usually wear out first.

If the fluid change does not do it, you may be in for a transmission rebuild if you want to keep the car.

Do a search on transmissions, there was a thraed last week on this very same subject.

Dan

 

[VaderSS]

I'd give AutoRx a try. It won't work miracles, but it can make a dramatic improvement. Really helped my 4L60E out...

 

[Matt_S]

If the problem is merely low line pressure, Auto RX will help by rejuventating the seals inside the trans and reducing internal pressure losses. I suspect, however, that Dan might be right and, by now at least, the overdrive clutch is toast due to continuing slippage and the trans will have to be rebuilt. For $30, though, RX might be worth a try, though, but you could also be spending good money for naught. It is certainly cheaper than a rebuild.

 

[Russ]

Well, it seemed to do OK this morning. The only problem was a couple of delayed shifts when I first started out and before I got on the highway.
I don't know if the slippage would qualify as "continuous". During the past year it would slip once in a great while, and then shift back up (after I would pull on the gear shift lever). First time it "slipped for good" was Monday, and I wouldn't mess with it after it became obvious that it doesn't want to stay in OD. Afterwards it would operate fine on its own.
Looks like I'll give AutoRx a try (might as well, I'm not going to put $1,500 worth of repairs into a $2,800 car

either way). Thanks for the responses.
What do you think about the magnet issue?

 

[Gary Allan]

Automatics are the weak link in any modern automobile. We've seemed to conquer the engine longevity issues.

I assume that you DO have a "non-OD" selector on the ****er?? I'd use it. $1300 buys a lot of gas.

If you desire a magnet ...just stick it to the outside of the pan. I don't think that, once precipitated, that these particles will go back into suspension if it fell off (which is unlikely). This is naturally not possible if you have a cast aluminum pan.

I'd also go the AutoRx route...or even some of the more aggressive flushes. Reman valve bodies aren't that expensive ..but cleaning them up isn't rocket science.

If you describe your symptoms to a trans shop ..they'll peg the problem right away and tell you the cost. They've seen it many times before.

 

[Jim Spahr]

Regards magnets, I hear some use the very strong magnets from the computer hard drives. Just attach to the bottom of the pan. However, it sounds like the gunk your trans has in the pan is non magnetic. Sounds like clutch material, which would cause the trans to slip. If it is excessive clutch wear problem, then Auto RX prob won't help.