Tranny going out?

[r3kU]

Automatic 98 GST: Merging on to the freeway trying to cruise but my rpms were way too high they were at 4100 then i figured Overdrive was off, turned it on then it dropped lower. Should my overdrive always be on?

 

[Joethefallen23]

O/D is 4th gear. When you hit the O/D switch to off, the car will never shift into 4th. So essentially, it sounds like it's performing just fine. Although it was a poorly constructed question. If your saying you're topping 4100 rpm while cruising in 4th, then yes you do have an issue with the end clutch.

Leave O/D when you're cruising. Otherwise you'll be getting pretty shit gas mileage.

 

[NY 95 TSI AWD]

Doesn't sound like the tranny is going out at all. Its a 4 speed automatic transmission. You should always have overdrive on when cruising at highway speeds. If I'm going under 40mph I generally leave od off. Above that I keep it on.

 

[nelliott500]

Sounds more like you just don't understand what overdrive does. Why are you assuming you're having an issue with the trans?

 

[r3kU]

Sometimes it has hard times shifting its really hard and just slow driving the shifts will like pull you forward almost a jerk and my rpms are idle surging

 

[DSM_GSX01]

IS the transmission fluid burnt? Does it smell like its burnt up? Have you serviced the transmission? Is there enough fluid?

I serviced two automatic's that were doing this kind of thing and shifting hard dropping gears it felt like and the new fluid made it ok. But if its burnt and there is clutch material on the bottom of the transmission is done for then.

 

[nelliott500]

Sometimes it has hard times shifting its really hard and just slow driving the shifts will like pull you forward almost a jerk and my rpms are idle surging

This information should have been in your original post if you wanted actual help.

If it hasn't been going on for too long, you might be able to get away with just changing the trans fluid. You can either have a shop do a complete flush or (recommended) drop the pan and change the filter. You'll change out like half of the fluid that way. You can even take off the cooler lines and have the "out" line in an empty bucket and the "in" line in a bucket of new trans fluid. While running the car and your foot on the brakes, slowly shift in to each gear and the car will spit out old fluid and suck up new fluid. Be careful not to let the clean bucket run dry. Try to get a friend to help you if you go this route.

If this problem has been happening for a while, it may be too late and your trans is probably on its way out.