transmission problems and away from home - need help

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Porter

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
124
0
Murphy's law of course. I'm 1000 miles away from home and my transmission just started to act up on m Disco I (1996). I set off on a roadtrip to see family in Portland, Or from Los Angeles. I make it to my destination with no problems, the disco drove really well. I took it easy all the way, although the disco was running almost 16 hours straight (small 3 hour nap). Last stretch was probably 400 miles with stops only to get gas.

After unloading the rig I move into its final parking spot and I noticed that there was slipping going into 1st gear. Curious, I drove it down the street and noticed slipping in the second gear as well now. All the fluids look ok. The transmission fluid is slightly orange??? but doesn't smell burnt and doesn't look burnt. The level is fine. Its redline synthetic ATF with approximately 15000 miles on it. Interestingly it never had any slipping problems while driving. I manually shifted a few times to put less stress on the transmission going uphill but other then that - everything was uneventful. No dummy light either.

I'm at a loss now. I'm worried that I won't be able to make it back. What recommendations/options do I have? I'm leaving to go back home on Saturday/Sunday so my time is limited already. Do you guys think I can make it back and deal with it? Or should I immediately find some place in Portland to deal with.
 
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hywy61

Well-known member
May 25, 2004
738
0
atlanta, ga
is it leaking an transmission fluid

maybe just needs a top off?

Tough call though. I would definitely experiment but might want to take it somewhere to get it checked out. Would really suck to get stranded on the road somewhere.

If you have to replace the transmission you have to do it one place or another. The only downside is returning to where the work was done if there is a problem. Maybe go to some chain that has offices in LA and Portland and ask them if the LA offices could take care of you in the future if you had work done in Portland. Tough spot since you are so far .
 
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alex3324

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2004
510
0
Valhalla I am coming home!
Any transmission rebuilding shop that belongs to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association - ATRA (www.atra-gears.com) is obligated to give you a 12/month, 12,000 mile nationwide warranty with their service. This warranty is good at ANY ATRA member shop nationwide (and Canada). I did a search on their site and there are 11 member shops within a 10-mile radius of Portland, so you shouldn't have any problem finding a place to get it looked at.
 
P

Porter

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
124
0
Thanks for the replies. If it slipped a little bit, I think I would be alright going home. A lot of people tell me that their transmission is going out all the time, and it generally takes some time before it completely dies - but if I tempt fate, the next thing I know I'm out in BFE arguing with the tow guys for a flat bed.

I'll bring it in a have someone check it out. I did call a few places, not ATRA certified and although they offer a warrentee, they wouldn't do it for me becuase I'm out of state. I'll have to check out the website. Thanks everyone.
 
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bazzle

Guest
If it still locks uo at 80kph I would just drive it home.
Test by doing 100kph (60mph) and accell lighty without kikjdown. Revs should not rise straight up.

Bazzle :cool:
 
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