96 Q45 Transmission Drives in all gears but "D"

[Jevos]

Hi I'm new to this forum, and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on this problem. My Q45 will drive in 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, but wont drive in "D." When I put it in "D" I can step on the gas and it barely goes. It shifts a little hard when I'm driving in 3rd and 2nd. When cruising down the road and then I put the pedal to the floor the RPMs jump up but it almost seems like it's not catching or something. Noted though, I bought this car for $500.00 Already planning on changing the transmission, but turns out there was no transmission fluid at all. Now I know transmission fluid dose not just disappear, so there might be leak, but when I put fluid in it would drive, now I would just like to see if I may have to get a new transmission, or is there any way of fixing the problem I have on my hands. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks, Jevos.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

I would start by pulling the pan on the transmission and replacing the "filter" screen assembly. If it's clogged with old clutch material and stuff, it can cause all kinds of issues. There is also a transmission self diagnostic that you can run that will tell you the condition of the electronics in the unit... check out the factory service manual here at www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

All of that said, if the transmission was empty when you bought it... chances are pretty good that it's been abused beyond repair.

Good luck!

Heath

[OwnerCS]

to NICO!

I would start by pulling the pan on the transmission and replacing the "filter" screen assembly. If it's clogged with old clutch material and stuff, it can cause all kinds of issues. There is also a transmission self diagnostic that you can run that will tell you the condition of the electronics in the unit... check out the factory service manual here at http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

All of that said, if the transmission was empty when you bought it... chances are pretty good that it's been abused beyond repair.

Good luck!

Heath

To Heath's point, there may be clogged ATF filter under the hood also. The filter located is in the battery area under the hood.

The OEM filters are quite expensive and only available from a dealer. You can try using an aftermarket filter, or just for "diagnostic purposes only" try bypassing the filter to see if it makes a difference, then once have ruled out a clogged external filter is contributing to the problem, quickly replace it with a Magnafine or OEM type. If the under the hood filter has clogged, it can starve the transmission for needed fluid circulation.

Here's a picture of a filter for a 94-96 model below. Note: My 91 Q uses a transmission and radiator from a (Phase II) 94-96 model with the dual cooling lines in the picuture.

[OwnerCS]

Where are you located? We may know a shop in your area who will treat you right.

[Zer0_KooL]

Hey I really hate to being a thread back from the grave, but what was the outcome? I'm currently having the same issue.