Hi there,
Just looking for an opinion on a possible transmission problem on my
1999 SL2 automatic. I'm hoping this isn't the valve box problem I've found so much about on Google.57000 miles on the car, was just in for service a month (1000 miles) ago, where they told me I had leaking transmission fluid and replaced the torque axis mount, changed trans fluid and filter, and replaced the serpentine drive belt.
So Saturday, after making about a 60 mile round trip earlier in the day with no trouble, my problem started up. Had the car parked, on an incline with the emergency brake on. Started the car up with no trouble, but heard a loud bang/rumble sound upon shifting to reverse, and a smaller one on shifting back to drive.
After that, driving the 8 miles home, I noticed that the car was really sticking/jerking when it would upshift, occasionally making another loud rumble, and then would also do the same thing to a lesser extent on slowing down to a stop.
It's doing the same thing today. So my thought is that I will drive it in to work tomorrow morning (1.5mi) and then to the dealership at lunch and have them take a look at it. I'd just really like to hear what else it might be. I may have left my headlights on for about 2 hours after coming back from the 60mi roundtrip, but that shouldn't be enough to drain the battery. Would it be worth taking it for a drive on the interstate to make sure the battery has a chance to charge back up, before heading to the (likely gouging) dealer?
Should also mention - this is Connecticut and this is August. It's very hot and humid. I can only imagine the kind of expansion going on in the metal parts.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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