Can somebody give me an idea of what this might cost (transmission problems)?

Question

Engine check done on '01 Nissan Sentra
List of items that came up:
-oxygen sensor
-cadalytic converter
(both of which might be causing the rough start on my car)
-transmission component slipping
-tort converter-->one component slipping in transmission
-rear main seal leak in the engine
-burnt fluid from transmission
-contamination in the pan...which leads them to believe there definately is an internal transmission problem b/c: fluid is burnt

On a student's budget, are there some corners I can cut to get my car in enough shape to pass inspection this month?

Answer 1

let's go down the list ... First off, which engine do you have, the 1.8, or the 2.0?

Let's assume it's the 1.8 (way more common then the 2.0)

O2 Sensor - there are two in that car, one before the catalytic converter, one after - pre-catalytic converter sensors range from 62.99, up to 308.99, the post-catalytic converter sensors range from 55.99 to 172.99 - the "pre-cat" sensor is there to keep the engine running at it's best performance, with the best fuel mileage you can achieve. The "post-cat" sensor is there to tell the computer that the catalytic converter is doing it's job. If the "post cat" sensor is the one throwing the check engine code, further diagnostic needs to be done to determine if it's the sensor that failed, or if the catalytic converter has failed.

Catalytic Converter itself - that should be covered from the manufacturer for 8 years or 80k miles - check with Nissan about that - otherwise the catalytic converter on that car can range from 79.99 to a few hundred (universal fit catalytic converters are in the 80 dollar range, exact fit will be much more) Again, further diagnostic is needed to determine if it's the sensor, or the catalytic converter.

the Torque Converter slipping ... along with the symptoms of the burnt fluid, leaking rear main, and contaminates in the pan would tell me that the lockup clutch in the torque converter itself has most likely started to fail, or has failed, this is usually due to a solenoid failing. The excessive heat built up from these slipping parts can actually damage the rear main seal on the engine. Have this inspected by a transmission shop, not a general shop that does everything - you want a specialist to look at that particular issue. If you end up getting the torque converter replaced, you can have them replace the rear main engine seal at that time.

Answer 2

Sounds like this things a small disaster area. First of all, the primary reason (unless it's an engineering flaw) for the O2 sensor and catalytic converter to fail is lack of a proper tuning and/or using cheap gasoline. ANother cuase is a mucked up idle control valve (remove it and clean it thoroughly) and aleak in your PCV system that is throwing the fuel mixture off. Also, a leak between the mass airflow sensor and the throttle body (big rubber hose) may be the culprit. Make sure there are no leaks in it. When an engine is strained form lack of proper tuning, it is harder on the transmission. So, first make sure the engine is properly tuned. Next, the rear main seal usually goes bad if the engine oil is not changed frequently enough, using cheap oil, or a malfunction in the PCV valve or hoses that cuases oil pressure to be too high. Thirdly, you will need to change the trans fluid filter and refill with new fluid. You may have to change the fluid 2-3 times to get all the bad fluid out (the torque converter holds at least 2 quarts all by itself and doesn't drain out at the fluid change). If you have a friend that is mechanically inclined, they can guide you through this. Good Luck!!! E-mail me, if you like

Answer 3

The O2 sensor is probably around 30 bucks, and the cadalytic converter a few hundred bucks, but the transmission is probably going to be around 1500 bucks to rebuild or replace. The tranny problems are almost always very expensive and not really any shortcuts that I know of, but I'm not a mechanic either just from past experiences.

Answer 4

With corners, maybe you can get a hold of a used transmission, but either way, you are about to spend a substantial amount of money.

MAybe see if some place will let you trade it twards something new. At least that way you can make payments on it.

Answer 5

I actually have transmission problem with my car too, i heard it's about 2000 to replace a new one, but you can get the temporary one for around 300

Answer 6

one thing you can try is go to auto zone or advance auto and get this stuff called Lucas for transmissions and follow the directions..Make sure car is on and ride the car for awhile..it will take a little time to kick in and its worth a try its about 11 dollars.

Answer 7

1 meelion dollars