transmission suddenly started slipping only sometimes an only when hot. could it be a sensor?

1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
143,000 MILES
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DOUG_IRE
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I bought a 98 malibu which ran great, new battery, new front strut assemblies and a 2.4 engine with automatic tranny. IN JAN 2012
I knew it needed a brake line and drove it home 16 miles on the e brake without a problem.
long story short I registered the car and decided that all the brake lines and fuel lines were to be replaced. The rear spring was broken so grabbed a pair from a near by bone yard.
Since the 10 day NYS temp sticker was expired (by 5 months) we used a flatbed to get the car to the inspection station this morning. Picked it up and went to a local store about 6 miles, low oil pressure light came on idling in the parking lot, when the gas pedal was pressed it went off. Then got it back home ( 1 mile)and when we went to swap out cars in the driveway lost forward gears ( reverse works fine but all forward gears feel like they slip but move the car)..could it be sensor issues from disconnecting and removing the battery? have to drive it 75 miles for the computer to be ready and pass the emission part of the inspection.
I bought this car for my wife originally, but having second thoughts. any input or thoughts would be appreciated. I have worked on alot of older cars when I owned my shop from 1995 - 2002 kinda stumped with this one.

Thanks
Doug

Went out this morning started it up reverse worked forward worked. When it got up to temp forward would hesitate then engage after a second and go. I'm still thinking sensor
Jun 12, 2012 at 6:08 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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As far as the oil pressure light your going to have to remove the sensor and do a oil pressure reading to see if its a bad sender or oil pressure issue.Now the transmission there sbouldnt be any learning for the car to move in the forward gears.Do you have any codes in computer?If so what are the exact code nunbers not code descriptions.
Jun 12, 2012 at 6:23 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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There never was a code or CEL. i need to drive it to get an inspection sticker, an have 9 days left
Jun 12, 2012 at 6:33 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like a internal issue or pressure issue i would still check for codes if there arent any then most likely its a pressure issue or a internal issue.Hows the transmission fluid?Driving it could damage the transmission further have you checked to make sure the battery cables are clean and tight?Also had the battery and alternator tested?A bad battery or alternator can greatly effect the computer controls on that car.
Jun 12, 2012 at 8:05 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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will be checking the fluid but the wizards that designed it didn't put a dipstick on it
Jun 12, 2012 at 8:15 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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There is a 11mm bolt that is a level hole to tell when its full.I was refering to debris in the transmission pan etc and color of fluid.The first thing i would do is check for codes then dona pressure test on the transmission then check the trans pan for debris etc.
Jun 12, 2012 at 9:44 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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The car has been sitting for a while, and seemed fine after replacing the brake lines.
Jun 13, 2012 at 12:26 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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iv'e seen the bolt to check the level mentioned quite often but no one tells exactly where it is
Jun 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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That plug is over where the passenger axle comes out of the transmission towards the front of the car.
Jun 13, 2012 at 2:14 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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I have no idea what fixing a brake line has to do with transmission that makes no sense.
Jun 13, 2012 at 2:15 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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sorry i had to "remove the battery" to replace the brake lines. would that have any impact on the sensors for the transmission
Jun 13, 2012 at 5:35 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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No remove the battery isnt going to make the transmission to do what its doing.
Jun 15, 2012 at 12:40 AM
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DOUG_IRE
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Seems I can drive the car for about 9 miles, then the oil light comes on, when i stop at a light it runs rough came back home put it in park. started the car reverse worked but would not engage into drive. 3rd time with the exact same pattern. The ignition key was really hot so i have a new switch coming Monday.
Jun 21, 2012 at 6:26 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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So how is the ignition switch heating the key up?Also have you checked the alternator when its acting up?
Jun 21, 2012 at 6:42 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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We took the car out to get some mileage on it. when we got away from the stop and go traffic and just drove, it seemed fine. Hit the parkway and put 87 miles on before hitting the inspection station, and pulled right in to the bay. Pulled it out with a sticker in reverse into a parking spot.....the question was would it have forward gear....it did we drove another 1.5 miles to the house put it in park shut it off. waited a few minutes started it again and it had forward and reverse gears?????????????????
Could all these problems be from sitting? I have read that the ignition switch is a common problem with these cars and effects multiple systems. For $15 for a DELCO switch couldn't hurt to put one in, besides that the key can be pulled out of the ignition in the run position. I have no idea how the switch heats the key , but it was like it had been held under a flame.now that i have an inspection sticker I can do some testing and not have to worry about a $75 ticket.
Jun 22, 2012 at 12:39 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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I really dont see how the car sitting could cause loss of movement when putting it in gear.As far being able to remove the key while in the run position has nothing to do with the ignition switch.That would be a worn key or worn ignition cylinder.
Jun 23, 2012 at 3:48 AM
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DOUG_IRE
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I wanted to thank you for your input. I took the car to Aamco, they pulled the pan and found a lot of metal. I'm having a used tranny (44K miles on it)put in. I would have done it myself if it wasn't for having to take the sub frame out. # 2 wizard move for the designers.
Aug 11, 2012 at 2:37 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome thats what were here for.To remove the subframe isnt hard you just need a engine support which you can get a nice otc one online for 127 free shipping.I have done it on jack stands in my garage before.Dropping the subframe makes it a lot easier.I would like to see you remove the transmission on a front wheel drive car without being able to drop the subframe.
Aug 11, 2012 at 7:11 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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well the nightmare continues. I swapped the front and rear passenger side tires, The next day the passenger side axle removed itself from the car. Didn't come all the way out. When I took the axle out the circle clip on the transmission end of the stub axle was gone. I am making a magnet on a coat hanger to see if the clip is inside the transmission. The way is see it there are 2 explanations.
Dec 14, 2012 at 5:42 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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So did the sub frame drop down causing the axle to pop out?
Dec 16, 2012 at 4:39 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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The subframe did not drop. everyone i have talked to about it says the same thing. Possible that the axle retaining clip was not on when the tranny was put in. new problem is all of a sudden there is no power to the interior lights, and no blown fuses???????
Jan 9, 2013 at 10:53 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Was there a clip on the axle end?Also did you check to see if the fuse had power when the interior lights wereinop?
Jan 11, 2013 at 12:57 AM
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DOUG_IRE
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there was no clip on the axle.
Jan 11, 2013 at 4:42 AM
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DOUG_IRE
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while changing the tie rod on the same side I noticed the axle wobbles ( a lot of movement) on the transmission end. Is this normal?
Jan 12, 2013 at 2:14 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Wobbles a lot like what?Up an down in and out?Also when does it wobble when the transmission is spinning it?
Jan 14, 2013 at 4:59 PM
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DOUG_IRE
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wobble is up and down/side to side I took a short movie, but tightened up when had weight on the tire
Jan 16, 2013 at 8:54 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Then your good there always more wobbly with the weight off the car.
Jan 17, 2013 at 12:45 AM
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JOHN SHAVER
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I had an Evap code, so I replaced the gas cap. Then what happened was I sprayed hose connections to hopefully find the leak, then it ran worse. Now, I have codes PO108 and PO300. Cleaned IAC unit and cleaned the carburetor, and then took it for a test drive. Now, it shifts very hard like in a jerky clunky fashion. It seems to have more power now, better takeoff. A small hose has a hissing sound coming from it now, did not before. It is the small hose that goes to the carburetor.
Aug 7, 2017 at 11:55 AM (Merged)