Hi gents,
I was starting from a light this afternoon when I heard a loud clunk sound and then something like gears grinding on each other. I immediately lost power. I shifted into neutral and the noise stopped while I was pulling on the side. The guy on the sidewalk might have heard a loud F*!%$! from inside the cabin. ;)
I tried a few times on reverse, drive, one and two.. the same awful sound. The reverse would not engage. First gear got me moving a few centimeters but started almost immediately grinding again. I forgot to test with O/D disabled but I doubt it would have made a difference.
I had the car towed to a transmission specialist. Unfortunately, it was well into Friday afternoon and I could not get but a basic diagnostic (a.k.a. look under the car for obvious clues) done. Somehow I forgot to check the fluids but I doubt I lost any (did not see any dripping and any hoses loose nor was there any on the ground where the tranny failed.) However, I noticed that the shaft to the differential was quite loose. I've not idea how this affects things.
There were no codes I could retrieve with Torque on my Android or transmission shop ODB2 scanner.
Also, the past few months, when windows are opened, I've been hearing an innocuous small click that sounds like a solenoid when I released the accelerator. Again, not sure how it's related but today, just before the failure, I was on the highway and usually the windows are closed but not today. I was a bit worried when I heard that click sound over the highway noise. But then, I as I said the windows are often closed at higher speeds as I prefer the various loose items in the car to stay put. :)
Anyway, since I'm stranded for the weekend until they come back with an estimate on Monday, I was hoping someone might have an idea out of my vague information what could be the issue and if I'm looking at a new diff and/or tranny.
In any case, I would certainly like some feedback as I'm afraid I'm not versed enough on tranny/diff issues and I would certainly prefer to be savvier when they call me on Monday. Especially since they tried to tell me that a rebuilt transmission for my Vibe would cost 2-2.5k ($CAN.)
The Vibe is a 2007 FWD with a bit over 220KM on it (~135k miles.) It's well maintained mechanically and just did the four shocks and brakes last year and bought new tires this spring. I really hope I can salvage it. :)
Cheers!
Martin