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Customer Concern: Very intermittent problem!! After first starting the car and backing into the street, when I shift into drive (D), the car will only move very slowly as if it is in 3rd gear or overdrive or just slipping. I’ve tried releasing the overdrive (OD) switch but it doesn’t help. As soon as I manually move the shifter down to 1st gear (1), the car moves normally. When I return the shifter back to (D), everything works normal from then on - until a week or two later when it happens again.
Friend’s Diagnosis: Be prepared…transmissions only last about 100,000 miles; consider yourself lucky that you made it to 120,000 miles.
Shop “A”, General Mechanic’s Advice: Very off-the-cuff response, based on a phone call diagnosis – “Sounds like you are starting to see signs of a bad transmission. When they start having problems cold, they call that ‘morning sickness’…just run it until it dies or gets worse.”
Tri-City Transmission of Tempe Diagnosis: The ASE Certified Technician scanned the vehicle’s computer and found no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC). He noticed when he started the vehicle that the engine starter sounded somewhat labored. Because of this he immediately checked the battery voltage and found only 8.7 volts under load. Transmission fluid was cherry red and the transmission performed flawlessly. This confirmed, without a shadow of a doubt that a bad battery was the source of the complaint.
Tri-City Transmission of Tempe Recommendation and Final Resolution: Replace battery and have a nice day, don’t need a transmission.
Customer Comments on This Repair: Thank you guys for the quick experienced diagnosis and repair. After the other advice I was originally given, I was certain I needed a transmission. Now I see why you would not give me a price on the phone and until you had a chance to thoroughly diagnose the problem. I have had intermittent problems before, and I’ve never had an experience that someone could pinpoint it without letting it get worse first. I’d like you to know that when guys at work complain of transmission problems, I always talk your company up. After all, this is the second time you guys have come through for me. One good turn deserves another. Thanks again, Jim
Tri-City Transmission of Tempe Comments: There is so much miss-information surrounding transmissions that many people don’t even want to call a transmission shop, dealer or a general repair shop and ask them for advice or for a price on a transmission. They fear that someone will sell them one whether they need one or not - not necessarily because the shops are dishonest, but maybe because they don’t have experience with a particular problem. This transmission in this particular case study generally lasts at least 200,000 miles, which would make it a shame to replace at only 120,000 miles. Easily overlooked by many - battery voltage is one of the first things we check when diagnosing a transmission problem. Ever since the early 90’s transmission became electrically controlled. The later the model year, the more onboard electronics they have, and therefore, the more sensitive they are to weak batteries or charging system problems. In many cases, even if the battery is a little weak, we will temporarily install a known good battery as part of an accurate diagnostic process. We usually fix two cars a month with a battery or by simply correcting a poor ground source in the system.. Over 50% of all the repairs we make at Tri-City are minor in nature even when the customer thinks they need a transmission rebuild or replacement. Remember, the most expensive repair is the one you never needed.
This transmission is widely used across the industry. They are found in many manufacturers’ vehicles. Sometime the individual manufacturer will change the name to make it their own, but it is the same transmission. This particular transmission is found in the Chrysler Jeep Cherokee (Model Number A340E or A340F or AW4 or 30-40LE), Geo Tracker (Model Number 03-72LE or A44DE), Isuzu Amigo (Model number 03-72L or A44DL), Isuzu Pickup (A44DL), some Isuzu Rodeos (Model Number A340 or AW30-40LS) some Lexus LS400, Lexus LX450, Lexus SC300, Lexus LX450, Lexus LX470 & Lexus SC400 (Model Number A341E, A340E or A343F).
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