Okay, so a week ago my car started shifting weirdly. Over a matter of days, it progressed to gears 1, 2, P, N, and R being available on a 4-speed automatic on a 16-year old Chevy.
After various bits of checking around it seemed like it might indeed be the tranny. Wouldn't even think about shifting till it hit 3000+ rpm. got the tranny gasket / filter etc replaced, and idler pulley / tensioner replaced. Plus a biggish inspection on the whole car with roadtest. $500.
A competent mechanic has got me up and running by repairing my TV-cable. I have all my gears back. Road-tested it last night under a variety of circumstances and it seems to be working again. Yay! $120.
Biggest bonus: NOT hearing I'll need a transmission rebuild at $1500 and up.
I have no rear brakes, 50% on the fronts, well-nigh-useless rear shocks, and a 1000km drive tonight / tomorrow plus potentially again in a week to come back. I'm going to get the brakes repaired mid-journey and hope it holds out a while longer.
The hunt for a new car continues, but at a decidedly more relaxed pace. |
