Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle 98 ATX issues

98 Mystique, Zetec, ATX. Tranny was rebuilt at 100k, car now has 135k, wife said it was making a whining noise this morning, then on the way home shifting hard. I revved it in park sounded normal, but drove it down the street and hear the whine. 1-2 shift is hard, others felt fine. I shut it off and the drove it again. 1-2 was fine, but 2-3 felt a little slip. I looked at the fluid, smells burnt to me, and looks a bit dark. I am guessing the TC is bad again, any chance it can just be replaced, or is the whole tranny shot? If just the TC can be replaced, any idea on how much a shop would charge?

Any ideas or anything would be appreciated.

Sounds like the pump is your root problem. Have you changed your ATF since your rebuild? If not, then I would try that. If that helps, great! If not, then you will have to take it to a shop to see what damage has really been done.

The pump is known to whine, alittle. Mine has since it was rebuilt over 100k ago. But it should not whine all the sudden or very loudly. When this happens, it's a sign that the pumps gears are wearing down and the pressure that it puts out is not sufficent enough for proper shift. It can also cause your line pressure to spike, which do a great deal of harm.

Let us know how it turns out and good luck...

Thanks for the reply Any idea on what a shop might charge for a new pump if that is the case? Fluid hasn't been changed yet.... will do.