Transmission quits pulling altogether

1999 BUICK CENTURY
175,000 MILES • 3.1L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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THEMAILMAN
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Last year I put this car on the mail route. Occasionally it would decide to not move when I pulled up to a mailbox. I'd put it in park and back in drive and then it would be fine. This might happen once weekly. So I knew it was on borrowed time. Last week a whining noise started coming from the bellhousing area. It sounded a lot like a power steering pump whine.

Now the car just doesn't move after it warms up. It'll randomly stop pulling whether the car is moving or sitting still. Then I turn it off for a few seconds and it's good to go again. For a few minutes. The fluid is clean. The car shifts well when it dies decide to go.

It's probably time to send it to car heaven but I just want to make sure I cover my bases first.
Aug 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
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MECHTRIX
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yep thats a sound that's not easy on the ears im sorry to say I tend to agree with you .i think its finally giving up the ghost.. I'd probably get it to a shop that can give you a second opinion sorry to hear it best of luck to you
Aug 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
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MECHTRIX
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yeah that's bad news sounds like the pumps gone to me ..its hard to say but that's sort of the usual screeching sound thay make its the sound of metal on metal its sad if you had it for a while they kinda grow on you ..hope it works out good luck
Aug 23, 2025 at 8:09 PM
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THEMAILMAN
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Well, I paid $260 for it over 2 years ago and have driven it at least 50k miles. I can't complain considering the type of miles that I put it through. Let's say it is the transmission pump, is it possible to change it without a complete rebuild? I might hold on to the thing and get it done later
Aug 23, 2025 at 9:52 PM
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MECHTRIX
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Yes I think so its up front in the bell housing just behind the torque converter
Aug 23, 2025 at 10:45 PM
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MECHTRIX
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Yes I think It can be done just to get it working again But it would only prolong the inevitable for a while ...and if you go to all the trouble of getting it out you might as well rebuild it then its new again id say at this point I'd try to get it to a transmission guy and have him look at it or just call around to get a good idea about what your options are and ask him if he thinks it can be saved cheaply sometimes it will suprize you theres also the option of replacing it with a used one from the wrecking yard ..I wish you the best good luck
Aug 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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THEMAILMAN
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Gotcha. I just hate to need with rebuilt transmission work or junkyard ones. Never had good luck with them. I'll probably find another 99ish needing work and pull parts from this one. This car is otherwise in great condition save a couple of dents and scratches and a p0446 code that I just bought a new solenoid for. There not exactly hard to come across around here. Thanks for the info
Aug 24, 2025 at 9:49 AM
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MECHTRIX
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Yep sounds good glad we could help anytime you have a question come on back great questions are always welcomed .. be well.
Aug 24, 2025 at 1:04 PM