Expert: keith - 6/27/2005

Question
Keith, I have a 96 Cavalier with a 2.2ltr engine. It's an automatic and the transmission will not engage. When you let the car run/idle you can hear a clicking sound coming from just behind the engine. Also, you can move the gear shift from top to bottom (P,R,N,D..etc) and it will click into each position as it normally does. Any ideas? Do you think it's a small problem that can be repaired, or does it sound like I need a whole new transmission?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Dee, it sounds like it could be the torque converter or the pump in the transmission. It dont sound like a do it yourself problem. Take it to a transmission shop and have them give you an estimate, it may be cheaper to get a transmission at A scrapyard than to have yours repaired. I hope this helps you, if you need more info just let me know. Regards, Keith.