98 Neon, transmission whining

Hello, I've been trying to find some more information in these groups on a potential problem with my '98 Neon Highline (4 cyl, DOHC). Recently about a year ago, the transmission started to make a "whining" noise when put into reverse, both hot and cold (right away or with engine warmed up). Putting the transmission in D and other gears is fine. I changed the trans fluid & filter at around 50K miles, and it is still doing the same thing (the fluid was OK, no big metal flakes or weird foreign material). I've checked the fluid regularly since the car was new, so I know the level has been fine. Can anybody tell me what might be the cause of the "whining" noise, and if it is serious or not????

The other weird problem is we cannot press the accelerator pedal down as far as it should go, as it stops part-way, almost feels like something under the pedal that is blocking it but we checked for that inside the cab. Forcing the pedal past this stopping point actually causes the transmission to shift to Neutral. I have started to check the linkage and cabling from the trans to the intake area, etc. But also wonering if anybody has seen or heard of this as well.

Thanks a lot for all feedback on these two problems! I hope the info here can also help others.

-- Chris

Reply to
Chris Szilagyi
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Probably need a new cable for the accelerator pedal. Sounds like it's seizing up.

Reply to
Tony P.

Reply to
steve piskor

Usually this is caused in this transmission by the line pressure regulator valve in the valve body. Probably sounds more like the "whistle" some home hot-water pipes make when first turned on than like a "whine". It only occurs in Reverse because operating pressure is much higher when in Reverse than when in any other gear position. Won't hurt anything if this is indeed the cause -- my '92 LeBaron with the same 3-speed automatic transmission made this sound in Reverse for many years and miles -- but if it's bothering you, turning the line pressure adjustment screw counterclockwise about 5 turns the next time the pan is off will probably make it go away, just like turning the hot water valve a tetch more open would make the whistle go away.

Sounds like a bad kickdown cable is the first place to look, but it could also be an internal problem. Probably not a serious or difficult one to correct, though.

-Stern

Reply to
Daniel J. Stern

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