I inherited an automatic 5-cyl. It's history was that it belonged to my brother, and he kept up the service on it until the transmission went out and had the dealer rebuild/replace (not sure) it. He then gave the car to his girlfriend who drove the hell out of it I'm sure. It showed 149K on the odometer when that broke and then it was parked for the last 2-3 years after he got it back.

It needed an oil change, fuel-tank draining, new fuel pump, battery, brake rotors and pads which I did myself to get running. I "fixed' the odometer for the time being, but I'm sure the little yellow gear I glued back together will break again. The front end of the car "groans" when you turn the stearing wheel, and the transmission shifts hard into O/D only when you hit 45MPH, and then when coming down from speed shifts down hard (chirping the tires) too.

The engine runs great and the car looks great, but the transmission and steering worry me. Since I really don't know how many miles this thing has, should I further investigate with a mind to repairing it, or should I cut bait and try to sell it. Aside from my time, I've only invested maybe $130 in the repairs not including my time.

Any ideas about the steering and transmission?

Thanks from a newbie..
Boz

 

Transmissions tend to be very expensive to fix. Probably close to the value of the car perhaps? I would sell.

 

If the transmission is 4-sp with electronic control it could be a bad sensor, you might be able to pull some codes of it by using a simple test light. Also make sure that the fluid level is correct maybe even change it.

 

Thanks for the tips. This guy I know that builds hotrods said a transmission flush may be in order, but I like the idea of pulling the codes and seeing whats up.

 

Follow up... My power steering fluid level is really low, I almost put in some Valvoline Pyroil fluid in that I use on my GM truck, but double checked and found it isn't recommended for Hondas and Audis. What fluid do I need and where do I get it. I feel foolish I didn't check it before.

 

Audi's use a special hydraulic fluid made by Pentosin.
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Some foreign auto parts stores carry it and others just look at you funny when you say Pentosin. You can get it online, Audi dealers and maybe even VW dealers might have it. I would not use anything else regardless of what people tell you. On my older 100 the pump generates close to 3000psi, standard ATF is not rated for such high pressures plus there is the whole compatibility issue with O-rigs and other parts.