Expert: Don Berlan - 5/18/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Sometimes when I accelerate from idle state (e.g. stopped at red light), the car has difficulty getting into gear (it feels). At these times, it usually takes 1-2 seconds before the car starts moving normally.

Do you think this is a automatic transmission issue or engine issue? Also, do you know how much would repairs cost in each case?

Thanks,

Garnik
Answer -
It is hard to determine what it could be.Do you have many miles on it?Has it had any service? and if it was the transmission it is quite costly

Followup question: Thanks for the reply. The car has 63,000 miles and has had regular service (based on the intervals specified in the manual and the service meter/indicator in the dash). If you had to guess would you think it is the transmission or engine? What is the cost of replacing the transmission (on average)?  

Answer
I believe you are having tranny problems.The transmission is quite costly(especially if it is the type where there is no dip stick to check levels.If it is this type it is mega dollars.A transmission shop would be able to tell you better.I think I would try, if it is easily changed,I would replace the fluid and when you refill add 1 bottle of Lucas Transmission treatment in place of the required.It really does work