1986 Electra...UH OH!

[Jt643]

I love my 86 PA Electra. I have learned a few things by doing some work myself but am not close to being an expert. I need help. A few days ago the engine started whining up to about 35 mph...then I noticed it wouldn't shift as quickly and the response from pushing the gas pedal lagged. Two days ago I couldn't get it over 15 mph and it died going up a hill. I coasted into our parking lot and there it sits. I can turn it on fine but don't want to attempt to move it. Friends at church wonder if it could be something as simple as changing the transmission fluid.

Help! I don't want to spend a lot of money on her but also don't want her to die. She's only got 97K!

Thanks in advance.

 

[fm9572]

Have you changed the fuel filter? A lot of problems can be caused by a clogged fuel filter. It only costs about $5-10, and you can change it in the parking lot. Take the old one off, and try to blow through it. If you have restriction, that may be your problem. If not, it won't hurt anything.

 

[84ZZ4]

Does it have a cat? Clogged cat could be another place to look.

 

[Jt643]

Thanks for the replies. Haven't checked the fuel filter...and not familiar with the "cat"...know I should. Sorry.

Will look into the fuel filter and post results. Could something that simple affect the gear shifting?

 

[fm9572]

The "cat" is the catalytic converter. If that is clogged up, the vehicle won't run very well.

 

[Jt643]

Haven't been able to replace the fuel filter or check the cat...in the man time I checked the trans fluid dip...the fluid is dark reddish/brown and smells very burnt...does that mean anything?

 

[fm9572]

It means that the transmission was neglected. I would get a competent mechanic to change the fluid and filter for the transmission. DO NOT get them to just 'flush' the transmission. That leaves a bunch of trash in the pan, and leaves a clogged filter in the transmission. When they change the fluid, make sure they use the new Dexron VI fluid. There are 2 schools on doing this. Some say it helps, and others say it can make things worse. My thoughts are, $150 for a fluid and filter change by a mechanic, or $80 if you do it yourself, are cheaper than $2500 for a new transmission. If you try this first and it works, then you've saved $2400 bucks.

The transmission can cause some of these problems.

I covered this in a previous post. Here it is. http://buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33373