Overdrive Problems

[jpp355]

Hi Everyone- I tried searching through the threads but wasn't able to find a case identical to mine...

I have a 1999 SLE with 135,000 miles, mostly highway. I have a 12 mile commute to work and I live in Connecticut, so coldish winters. This winter, my car wouldn't go into overdrive during my commute to or from work- it's about 17 minutes of driving. I tried shifting through reverse, neutral, drive, back to reverse a few times before I left to warm up the transmission(?), this worked a couple times. FYI- I'm not very technically abled. Anyway, I was hoping with warmer weather, the transmission would improve, but it hasn't. Unless the temperature is already 60 degrees when I leave, I won't get overdrive. Occasionally, I will get it 10 minutes into the drive. All the other shifts seems fine and I've never had any problems with the transmission. Would a dosage of Lucas help the case or should I take it to a shop? I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

[00Beast]

The typical issue is that the splines on the hub for OD shear off, leaving you with a 3 speed and a bunch of metal shavings. It's weird that it occasionally kicks in, though.

[jpp355]

Usually on the drive home, after the temp has risen into the 70s, overdrive isn't a problem. I can't help but think it's something to do with the outside temperature, but that sounds strange. Does anyone recommend Lucas?

[94SilverSSEi]

YES!! Lucas is amazing I would drop the pan put a new filter and put a Bottle maybe even two in and then fill up with tranny fluid. And the pan drop will alsogive you an idea of what's going on inside your tranny.

[jpp355]

I appreciate the help- I'm going to look into dropping the pan like you suggested and adding a bottle or two of Lucas.

Thanks

[00Beast]

One bottle of lucas is plenty. Be sure to inspect for any large shavings, or a large amount of shavings.

[jpp355]

One bottle, got it. I'll look for shavings, if I find some, what would they indicate?

[00Beast]

Something broken inside the transmission.