Expert: Tim hagan - 3/24/2009

Question
My van suddenly wouldn't shift into 3rd gear and I discovered a pin hole in the line. I cut the line and crimped it some doing this. I then clamped a 3/8 hose over the line and filled up the fluid. It still wont shift. Could the crimp in my repair be causing this? Should I take of the pan and check for metal shavings? Should I change fluid, filter and gasket if no metal shavings are found. What kind of fluid and how much will I need.

Answer
if you crimped the line too tightly it could be causing a flow reduction, and yes you can lower the pan and replace the fluid and filter, it comes as a kit, you will need dexron ATF, if there are chunks or excessive shavings then your problem is much deeper than a restricted line