Automatic transmission SLIPS like it's in neutral

[JY116]

CAR: 1991 240sx, base model, 96k miles, just purchased, so dunno much else. Ran fine for about a month, then one day Im in stop and go traffic and hear some low pitch grinding sound. I pull over to see if theres a rock in my caliper or something, but nothing. Sounded like an exhaust leak or something from middle-bottom of the car.

I drive onto a side street and totally lose DRIVE, reverse, 1, 2... the car is basically not repoding to gas pedal [engine revs, but car wont move]. I turn the car off, wait for it to cool off a bit, and turn it on again. I can drive for 10 seconds, some slight grinding noise, then it's as if Im in neutral again.

I'm guessing the torque converter is broken somehow? Fluid is fine. It's been a month or so, and I still start the car up, drive a few seconds then the usual no DRIVE. then I push it back into a parking space.

I'm currently looking for any spare auto trans from 89-94 240sx [free to $100]. My firend will install for $200, and I'm sure thats cheaper than AT rebuild, or TC replacement...

*I did search and the results brought me to automatic trans that wont shift. Mine wont DRIVE at all! Big difference!*

Any info is greatly appreciated!

[JeromeS13]

Sounds exactly like the problem I had. I ended up replacing the transmission and torque converter. Problem solved.