Expert: Ray Hawk - 11/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 1998 Geo Metro (4 cyl, automatic) has just 40,000 miles. A few weeks ago, it developed a problem. It starts when the shift is in Park and idles fine. But if I shift to Reverse or Neutral or Drive, it stalls immediately. There is no problem with shifting itself. Also, it will not start in Neutral. So I cannot move the car.
If I try revving the engine and shifting, it jerks and stalls. besides, it is dangerous trying to move it that way.
Any suggestions? Thanks



ANSWER: Hello Sadu,

When you put the car in gear, a few things happen:
The gears, bands and clutches inside the transmission adjust and prepare to spin the wheels, the main transmission clutch engages slightly, and the torque converter engages with the transmission's primary planetary gear set. All of these things are controlled by hydraulic fluid called ATF, or Automatic Transmission Fliud. If the transmission was damaged by being hit by a rock or by going over a speed bump too fast, some of the delicate ATF flow valves could have stopped working, causing some things to engage wrong, or engage to harshly. You may need a new transmission. Sorry.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Ray
I have a follow up. I checked the transmission fluid ...it did not seem low. Also, why won't the engine start in Neutral (I can shift into any gear by depressing the brake pedal)? In fact I just tried again today and the engine started fine in park. As I shifted to Reverse (with brake pedal engaged), it was a bit hesitant but continued to run. However, as soon as I tried going into Neutral (before Drive), it stalled.
If the transmission is at fault, how expensive can that repair be?
Sadu

Answer
Hello Sadu,

I have another theory; you may not even have to replace your whole transmission. When you shift the knob, there is a small button that must be pushed; this tells the engine to get ready to shift. A lot of people who have been driving automatics for a long time start to develope a habit of not pushing this button all the way, or not pushing it at all. This shifts the transmission without first alerting the engine.
If you have been forgeting to press this button, then you may have damaged the car, or you simply have not been pressing it all along, and the car is fine.
However, if you have been pushing this button, or you haven't and the car has become damaged, take it to an honest mechanic or Chevy dealership to have the transmission looked at. If it just needs some new parts, get them. Depending on the part, prices will vary.
Replacement transmissions will vary in price, too. There is an automatic transmission for your 1998 Geo Metro available at automotix.com for $870. Here's the link:

http://info.automotix.net/transmissions/search.html?make=geo&model=metro&year=19

Hope this helps you!

Good luck!

-Ray A. Hawk