GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have owned my 08 vibe for some time and have been nothing but pleased with this vehicle. I recently found and purchased an 03 Vibe awd whose owner said the transmission was out. It will move itself forward (I have not had it out on the road yet) but he said that it seemed to be losing drive but apparently L1 and L2 work. It has no reverse at all.. He was on the road when this began after an uphill downshift. Any ideas? Need a complete rebuild or is there something to check first?
Thanks for any suggestions..

Drain the transmission, drop the pan, and check for metal.

That's the simplest, fastest, and cheapest quick check.

Also check the ODB2 codes.

Pull the dipstick and check the fluid level and color- it should be bright red, not smell burnt, and have no metallic bits. Ask if he ever had it changed. If he did, did he do it himself? If so, did he change the filter? The U341 transmission has a filter that should be replaced.

If the trans is that bad, I'd also be concerned on the rear differential.