Automatic transmission failure

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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cythraul
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 7:38 am
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Automatic transmission failure

Post by cythraul »

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
2007 Vibe 1.8L Automatic 185K, B&M 70264 Transmission Cooler, Custom 2" hitch receiver.
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Automatic transmission failure

Post by jolt »

The price sounds about right for a trans/axle rebuild. You don't think the clicking could have come from a bad CV joint on the axle shaft? Could the CV joint or shaft broke? From what you have said about the different gears, it sounds like it may be the trans/axle though.
cythraul
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 7:38 am
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Re: Automatic transmission failure

Post by cythraul »

jolt wrote:The price sounds about right for a trans/axle rebuild. You don't think the clicking could have come from a bad CV joint on the axle shaft? Could the CV joint or shaft broke? From what you have said about the different gears, it sounds like it may be the trans/axle though.
You were right on man! The shop just called.. the bloody *rse kept me on edge for a full minute before telling me that my car would be ready by the end of the day and the repair would cost 375$ (CAN.)

So it was the left one that gave up. Which explains why I still had a bit of power when I tried going forward.

Anyway, they're road-testing it now just to be sure nothing is slipping.

Cheers!
Martin
2007 Vibe 1.8L Automatic 185K, B&M 70264 Transmission Cooler, Custom 2" hitch receiver.
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joatmon
Posts: 10018
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:19 am
Location: SMC MD

Re: Automatic transmission failure

Post by joatmon »

That's good news. Well, money you'd rather not spend but a lot less than it could have been. And kudos to jolt for calling it
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cythraul
Posts: 117
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 7:38 am
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Re: Automatic transmission failure

Post by cythraul »

joatmon wrote:That's good news. Well, money you'd rather not spend but a lot less than it could have been. And kudos to jolt for calling it
Indeed, I'd rather have that money in my wallet now but I'm just glad I did not have to pay ten times as much. :)

Btw, I just came back and 375$ was after taxes and including the towing (75$.) So, in reality, it was 138$ for the joint, 1.5h of labor plus "garage material" at 10$.

Besides, I figure I'm lucky in my bad luck as this could have happened hundreds of klicks away, on the highway with the popup tent trailer attached, wife and kids in the car. In this case, I was alone with nowhere to be (but that appointment I was driving to that I missed... but was easily rescheduled.)

Thanks again everyone!
Martin
2007 Vibe 1.8L Automatic 185K, B&M 70264 Transmission Cooler, Custom 2" hitch receiver.
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