hey guys, im posting this for my dad since he owns the car, since he got the car (at 80k) hes done an intake, exhaust with flow master mufflers and a shift kit, the car now sits at 121k, lately the trans. been acting up, it feels like its shuddering as he cruses, this is his DD he only drives maybe 30 miles a day, im thinking maybe the transmission filter is dirty and causing this problem, but he said since i changed out the spark plugs, it hasn't done it since but i really dont think the spark plug would cause the transmission to act up so i came on here to ask you guys for some help since im into imports, mainly Nissans, idk crap about auto transmission

and also what would cause the top not come down, he said he smelled hydraulic fluid one day then it just stopped working.

 

really guys? 35 views and nothing?

 

theres so many things that could cause the car to feel like its having transmission issues and it could be nothing to do with the transmission.... If you changed the plugs and it helped then its nothing to do with the tranny..

My mother in laws 2003 Taurus was doing something similar so I changed the plugs and wires and now it doesnt do it at all... if you didnt change the wires you should... its better to do the plugs and wires together for a few reasons. 1 as long as you dont have a problem with your coil pack or distributor then it should put your spark back at 100%. 2 the next time it happens you dont have to wonder if its the plugs or the wires causing it, you know if one is bad chances are the latter needs to be replaced too (not always the case, but its safer IMHO).

Now if this doesnt completely solve the problem then you could be looking at clogged injectors or the fuel filter needs to be replaced... You can check em yourself or have a mechanic check em for you, just make sure you trust the mechanic. If neither one of these solves the problem completely then your looking at a vacuum issue. Either a hose is clogged or has a hole, something is damaged and not working properly, or you have a leak in something else... If the tranny filter has never been changed then it wouldnt hurt to do it, but I dont think that is your problem.

chances are its either a spark or fuel issue. Always start with the smaller easier things before you get into the bigger more complex and expensive things... Ive learned that automatically assuming its something major can cause un-necessary stress and cost money you didnt need to spend. If it aint broke dont fix it lol.

As for the top not working if he was smelling hydraulic fluid before it went out then its possible a seal went out in the hydraulic system for it and theres no fluid left in the pump for the top. Or its possible the motor for the top burnt out. But as always check all your fuses first and go from there.

 

When was the last time the trans fluid and or filter was changed? You could have bad fluid, bad filter, both, neither...Like Sally said there are alot of things that could cause it. Check the easy stuff first and let us know how it goes. As for the conv top issue as I do not have one I will take a shot in the dark. Check all the hydraulic lines to make sure they have not broken or come undone. If you smell the fluid then there must be a leak somewhere.

Matthew

 

If it's not doing it any longer, the plugs were the issue. You could complete the tune-up with wires, coil pack, drop in k&n air filter, and a fuel filter. Won't hurt and you'll increase your MPG.

 

i think sally was right about the plugs, dad drove it to work and said he didnt feel the problem again, but tomorrow im taking it to my auto shop school which is further out (the shop is packed right now and we're trying to get cars out before spring break) which is why i asked u guys cuz of that but since tuffys told my dad his rear brakes are rubbing, metal on metal, and wanted to charge him $500, i told my teacher this and he said to bring it in for a 25 point check up and we'll work on it after the break

 

money is slightly tight right now cause my car ( 2 piece flywheel came apart on me) but i washed the intake filter, we have a new fuel filter but i couldnt get the old one off >.>

 

the trans fluid was changed when my dad had the shift kit put in, so about 30k ago, as for the filter, i have no idea, and i plan on ripping the back seat out and taking a look at the lines

 

you have to muscle the **** out of it, atleast I did, I tried the proper technique and finesse and everything but until I put everything into it, my decade old fuel filter wouldnt come off,

 

damn ford for making it tough >.> but tomorrow i should have an engine lift so it would be easier