I am having weird car trouble, is there anyone out there man enough (or woman enough) to help me?

Question

I have a 1994 buick le sabre. When i have been coming to lights recently and go to pull away, my car races for a few seconds before engaging and pulling away. The best way i can explain it is it's like dropping it in neutral and pressing on the gas. It doesnt happen everytime, and only when i come to a complete stop and go to pull away again. Could you please provide me with possible reasons why this could happen, AS WELL AS ways i can visually check to confirm the problem. I want to diagnose it myself. Thank you.

Answer 1

Your transmission is causing the problem you're having. About the only thing you can do yourself is change the fluid and filter and see if that helps. If not, take it to a transmission shop and have it diagnosed>

Answer 2

Dear Buick-

This is definately a transmission problem. Depending on your service record and the milage of the vehicle it could be a couple of issues, and only one you will be able to check on your own.

Lets start with that one OK?

You are going to need to start the vehicle and with your foot on the brake pull the gear selector all the way down to the bottom most marker. Its either going to be 1, L or 2.

Then with your foot still on the brake move the selector back to the Park position one click at a time. Leave the engine running!!!

Open the hood and locate the Transmission Fluid Dipstick. Pull the dipstick just like you check your engine oil wipe it, replace it and pull it again to check the Transmission fluid level.

If the fluid level is the the "Safe" area or on the crosshatched section, the fluid is at the proper level.

The color of the transmission fluid should be red to a slight orange color, (but predominantly red). If its any other color than red with a slight orange hue to it, the transmission needs to be flushed and refilled with new fluid.

So here we go with the rest of the items it could be.

The transmission fluid filter could be clogged, in this case you are going to need to service the transmission.

Transmission oil pump could be failing.
Replace pump.

Clutches and bands could be slipping or severely worn.
Rebuild transmission or install a rebuilt one.

Low fluid level. Install transmission fluid.

Valve Body Shift Solenoids or pressure solenoids.

Service Transmission, and replace solenoids.

PRNDL Linkage not properly adjusted or has come loose.

Adjust and repair as necessary.

Personally, I would strongly recommend that you take the car to Buick and let them have a good look detailing your problems.

Remember, transmission fluid, and coolant should be serviced annually. Engine oil and filter every 3000 miles or 90 days.

When you take the vehicle in, ask to have a complete diagnostic performed on the vehicle and a complete safety inspection. The dealership will check all of the car's safety items and let you know if any repairs are needed. In particular brakes, tires, shocks burned out lights or anything else you might need to know about.

I do this every time I have my vehicles serviced. Even if its just for a simple oil change.

If you do this additional service, its a good way to catch small problems and get them repaired before they become big problems and cost you lots of money you don't have or want to spend!

I hope I helped you out! Good Luck!

Answer 3

It sounds like the transmission needs a service. There is less available fluid pressure when the engine is idling (like when you're stopped), and if the filter is getting blocked, there may not be enough pressure getting through to keep the trans engaged - so the engine revs. Then the pressure starts to pick up because the engine is spinning faster, so the trans now engages.

Remove the trans dip stick and give it a sniff. If it smells burnt, or looks brown or black (trans fluid is usually bright red), then this is probably the issue. This is not a problem I would suggest trying to fix yourself.. Transmissions are delicate internally, and the littlest bit of dirt getting where it shouldn't be can really mess it up - permanently. Take it to a reputable workshop - at least they guarantee the repair.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If your transmission fluid doesn't smell or look burned, (I always thought it kinda smelled like crayons if it's been too hot) there is a transmission additive called Trans-X. It's in a blue can. Over time when transmissions get hot, transmission fluid "varnishes". It breaks down and forms a sticky film/crust on some parts. Trans-X helps clean up sticky valves. However, sometimes when a transmission is at the end of it's life, cleaning up a transmission by changing the fluid or adding an additive can lead to transmission failure-maybe from releasing all the gunk at once, not sure.

Answer 5

First thing is easy check the transmission dip stick when idling in Neutral or Park. Is it full? does it look red or brown or black? Red Good Black Bad what does the fluid smell like oil or burnt electrical motor? Oil good burnt smell Bad! Most likely the transmission fluid pressure is not enough to hold the clutches engaged or the clutches are worn down and slipping. causing the Dark color and burnt smelling fluid. Sounds Like this old war horse needs a new stable mate. If you haven't shopped for a new car for a while your in for a sticker shock!

Answer 6

Could be a pressure switch in the transmission or one of the shift switches on the transmission it may have a few also a torque convertor switch sometimes its cheaper to take it to a mechanic cause you can invest alot of money in replacing stuff trying to eleminate the problem

Answer 7

there is no way to visually check this problem other than looking at the fluid and seeing if its burnt or has metal shavings in it,other than that it will have to be checked by a good transmission shop,they can probably tell you for sure,other than that all you can do is guess at it,make sure its completely full though,they will do this when they get low on fluid,good luck with it.

Answer 8

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