2002 Dodge Neon do i need a rebuilt transmission

[quote:ba84b1ed06="gilbern"]Transmission problem
2002 Dodge Neon 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive 117650 miles

my engine started making a strange noise while i was driving. when i pressed on the gas, the engine reved but would not move. after about 15 seconds there was a thud and the car started to move forward. this continued until i parked the car. i checked my trans fluid. the fluid that was on the dip stick seemed to be at the correct level but it had bubbles in it. can you tell me what is wrong?[/quote:ba84b1ed06]

Hello,

When you check the fluid you noticed bubbles, could it be that the bubbles may have been water?

What color was the fluid? Also smell the fluid does it smell burnt? If fluid is brown or grayish in color you should have the filter and fluid changed.

If the fluid is fomey and pinkish then you most likely have a bad radiator. Inside the radiator is a transmission cooler and it could have gone bad causing coolant to leak into the tranny. If that is the case you will also have to have tranny flushed along with filter and fluid change.

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The fluid did appear to be brownish in color but it didnt smell burnt.

[quote:d2ad11f2e6="gilbern"]The fluid did appear to be brownish in color but it didnt smell burnt.[/quote:d2ad11f2e6]

Ok, is your check engine light on? If it is you will need to see about getting the codes pulled. It could be a sensor and or a selenoid for the tranny.

If engine light is not I would go ahead with a tranny filter and fluid change. It would be a inexpensive first step. And maybe fix especially if the tranny has not been serviced.

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