Auto transmission problem

[0ukami]

So I think my auto transmission on my '97 went out, not entirely sure. I didn't want to spring for a new transmission until I purchased my motor set, but if it's out, I guess I'll have to.

I drove to a parking lot and parked it. Went into a store, came back out. Started the car, put it into drive and pressed the gas, nothing. It just revved up. Put into neutral, it shifted fine, same with 1 and 2. Put back into Park and it started grinding horribly. It was only grinding when going from any other gear into park. Had to get a flat bed to take it home.

Anyone have any suggestions to what it might be? I immediately assumed the transmission itself died, but others of questionable technical savvy told me it could be otherwise (some sort of cable or linkage..?). What do you think Zilvia?
If it's out I'm just going to go for a 5-speed swap and get that over with now.

Thanks a bunch,
~Oka


Bonus Question: If I buy the 5-speed swap off of an S13, will there be any sensors off the S13 transmission that will throw codes or anything? Since mine is OBDII or anything? Also will the S13 drive shaft be compatible with the S14? Sorry lol I'm at work and don't have much time to search at the moment. Ignore this and I'll search later, but thanks if you can answer these for now :)

[klits562]

Idk, i had a problem with my auto once where it seemed to be stuck in second gear, regardless of shifter position. It would accelerate really slow from maybe 0-45, but once it got up to 45 it would drive normally. In nuetral it would free rev with no problem and idle was good. I just unplugged my battery for 10 minutes then everything was fine.
I dont know if this could have any connection to your problem but as a free suggestion its worth a shot lol.

Also there is a linkage that i think connects the shifter to the actuall trans, not 100% on this but you can take off the plastic trim arround the shifter and should be able to see this linkage, check to see if its bent or something.

If none of this helps, then sorry but its all i can offer.

[0ukami]

Hmm, well I just tried firing it up, and it moves now. So I'm guessing it could be a faulty cable or the linkage. Anyone else have any ideas?

[klits562]

Hmm, well I just tried firing it up, and it moves now. So I'm guessing it could be a faulty cable or the linkage. Anyone else have any ideas?

Its driving absolutely normal now?
weiiirdd
it could be one of those things you never figure out and never see again lol.

[0ukami]

Its driving absolutely normal now?
weiiirdd
it could be one of those things you never figure out and never see again lol.

Rofl, yeah. I'm assuming theres something not very healthy going on down there though. I'm guessing the linkage cable is faulty and works circumstantially, not really sure though.

[klits562]

Rofl, yeah. I'm assuming theres something not very healthy going on down there though. I'm guessing the linkage cable is faulty and works circumstantially, not really sure though.

Ya me neither i couldnt really go any further on this one with you as i dont know shiet about trans.

[projectRDM]

There are no cables anywhere related to the transmission, besides the shiftlock cable coming off the column.

The linkage is a simple rod, if it's going into each gear (position at least), the linkage is connected. Simple.

For the 5spd swap parts, we've discussed this for 15 years. Plenty of info online without rehashing it again.

[0ukami]

There are no cables anywhere related to the transmission, besides the shiftlock cable coming off the column.

The linkage is a simple rod, if it's going into each gear (position at least), the linkage is connected. Simple.

For the 5spd swap parts, we've discussed this for 15 years. Plenty of info online without rehashing it again.

Thanks but that didn't really help or solve anything, or address what the problem may be. As stated here, "Sorry lol I'm at work and don't have much time to search at the moment. Ignore this and I'll search later," I couldn't search at the time, and would gladly search on my own time if someone didn't chime in for convenience. I am searching on it now.

nt tho

[projectRDM]

Thanks but that didn't really help or solve anything, or address what the problem may be. As stated here, "Sorry lol I'm at work and don't have much time to search at the moment. Ignore this and I'll search later," I couldn't search at the time, and would gladly search on my own time if someone didn't chime in for convenience. I am searching on it now.

nt tho

How was that not helpful? You yourself assumed it was "a cable or linkage", which was incorrect. I confirmed that. Neither of those possibilities are the culprit to whatever is wrong with your car. Period.

Since your description of the problem is pretty vague, no one can really come up with a diagnosis besides throwing out suggestions or eliminating others. I have done the latter, now you can do the former.