Thread: Car moves 200 feet, won't move further until restarted

Hey everyone, I'm at a loss for words. I have no idea what's going on with my car. I have a 98 GTP with 238k on it. I'm thinking it needs a rebuild, but...Here's the run down; I start my car up, and I can drive for about 200feet, then the car acts like it slips out of gear and won't go anywhere. revving it up will not kick it into gear as which I thought it could be a inner seal, but I have no idea. If I shut the car off, then turn it back on, I can drive another 200 feet and then start the cycle all over again. I checked my fluids and it seems like it's very dark red and I thought hmm, maybe I need to have the fluids and filter changed out. I thought to myself does that really solve my problem though? Does anyone have any ideas? I love my car so much, and I don't wanna really give it up due to the fact that a major repair will be out of my price range, but I fear that may be the issue here. Help please Thanks guys!

When your trans has trouble pulling fluid through the filter, it'll start up and move for a second then stop moving. Your description is a near textbook example of a clogging filter.

Likely you are going to find what is clogging it in the pan. I'd start by dropping the pan for a trans service though.

I agree with Bill. Drop the pan, change the filter, and put in new Dex VI fluid. Make sure you check your fluid level very well when you are done. Check it several times immediately afterwards, then everyday for the next couple days, then once a week for the next few weeks.

i had a 95 lesabre that did that.........it was clogged with metal shavings, trans was toast about a month later

Dont use dex 6 its a thinner fluid and will allow the trans to slip more.

Originally Posted by TheOtherNick

Dont use dex 6 its a thinner fluid and will allow the trans to slip more.

Naw, not the case. But good try.

Dex VI fluid is a slipperier fluid. But that is what you want in a lubricant, for it to allow metal parts to slip. What can happen is the new fluid with new detergents can clean and decontaminate things inside the transmission. So the shifts can be messed up a bit at first. Some people may think it is slipping. Some may slam into gear. But most will work themselves out in a short amount of time. One way to help the process, since our transmissions "learn" shifts is to disconnect the battery and drive it easy for a couple miles to let everything "relearn".

Originally Posted by darkfox1009

I'll need a new gasket as well when dropping the pan right? Unless I do it carefully or something? I've never dropped the pan before in this type of car, so I am not sure of the risks. Maybe the real question is, by doing this, what do I need in a whole to put it back to "normal"?

Most filter kits give you a new rubber gasket. But I have never used that. I always am careful when dropping the pan and reuse the stock gasket. I have never had a stock one leak when care is taken to keep it clean and not bend it up.

I just said thinner fluid to make it easier to understand. You do not want dex 6 for a trans on its way out, just talk to dave the trans master him self.

Next time, maybe you want to do the work yourself, it's 20 bolts, a couple gallons of fluid and a filter. Overall pretty easy.

Glad it worked out.
(Fixing title to help future searching)

Originally Posted by TheOtherNick

I just said thinner fluid to make it easier to understand. You do not want dex 6 for a trans on its way out, just talk to dave the trans master him self.

I have talked to dave about this. He uses a different fluid for a completely different reason in his trannys. Dexron VI is a fine fluid, and the recommended fluid, for any tranny.

If a transmission is on it's way out, it is on it's way out. It doesn't matter what kind of tranny fluid you put in it.

If the car moves your pump is working.

Whining pump is usually having trouble pulling fluid through the filter. If you just had a service done, then maybe you hurt the pump during the issues you were having by running it dry.