99 PRIZM auto transmission belly up at 86K

Havent got an estimate yet. Any Idea? Should I repair or replace with a salvaged transmission.

I've never had a transmission go with 86,000 miles on it, foriegn or domestic..what gives? And yes, the fluid level was okay

What transmission is in there??????MX1 ??????

did the diffrential fail????

I don't know the model, other than 3-speed automatic. I don't know if it were the final drive unit or not. The unit initialy started whining while letting up on the accelerator, then gradually worsened, accompanied by an acrid rubber smell. I thought the fluied too dark for comfort, but the fluid didn't smell burnt.

Anyway got a quote of $880.00 for a used unit installed with 90 day warranty

the mx1,,,is a toyota transaxle,,,the differential is a seperate gear-case
unlike most other FWDs......every one we have repaired failed because
the differential was dry,,,,probably was never checked other than the day it was built...used is ok,,,BUT that gear case should be checked every so often,,especially if you notice the axle seals leaking a little bit!!!!!!!!!!

the mx1,,,is a toyota transaxle,,,the differential is a seperate gear-case
unlike most other FWDs......every one we have repaired failed because
the differential was dry,,,,probably was never checked other than the day it was built...used is ok,,,BUT that gear case should be checked every so often,,especially if you notice the axle seals leaking a little bit!!!!!!!!!!


Well judging that the transmission fluid was gray, and not a bit of red color I'm guessing that it was the transmission. Hell, I never checked in my Haynes manual concearning the separate final drive\differential assembly!!

Will the transmission come with the final drive assembly? The mechanic is going to call when the job is done so at that time I'll have him check the final drive fliud on this one.

PS: The car is 86 miles from our home. A logistical pain in the ass... died while on our vacation!!!

yes it should be complete,,,,,they should know to check the diff case for oil,,,,,,my main concern is after,,,that it gets checked as regular matainence,,,that is the main problem...If you do that ,,,should last for years!!!!! gbaum

The transmission is in and good to go. The mechanic is aware of the final drive and transmission being two separate assemblies. I will check the differential fluid at regular intervals.

Thanks for the info Gary.

yes it should be complete,,,,,they should know to check the diff case for oil,,,,,,my main concern is after,,,that it gets checked as regular matainence,,,that is the main problem...If you do that ,,,should last for years!!!!! gbaum1994 prizm a/t , 3speed with 165,000 miles.. i was told by aamco today that my differential is worn out. whole a/t needs to be rebuilt.and yes,i do have a little leak there. they said c/v,s loose as it enters differential. said new seals will not cure problem. question = if i drive car up on ramp can i see the drain plug for differential. also do you think i can get lucky and top it off and all will be well?? also how about those used low mileage a/t,s imported from japan. do you trust them?? thanks for any advice .

yes it should be complete,,,,,they should know to check the diff case for oil,,,,,,my main concern is after,,,that it gets checked as regular matainence,,,that is the main problem...If you do that ,,,should last for years!!!!! gbaumtrannyman52 question =assuming that i can find a good parts car in the salvage yard, what would the labor hours be to convert from automatic to standard transmission?? i,m scared of investing in used automatic transmissions.i had bad experiences in the past. paid labor twice,etc.