'91 200 3-sp Auto tranny problem

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 13, 2001 | 12:47 PM

Firemeddtech

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

'91 200 3-sp Auto tranny problem

I have a 91 200 with a 3-speed auto tranny. The car is stock and has about 94000 miles on it. When the car is first started and until it warms up, the transmission does not like to shift out of 1st. I have asked around and the general view is that it may be the linkage or the clutch needs replaced. Once the car warms up, the transmission shifts fine but on occasion when shifting it slips from gear to gear. If it is the auto clutch that is bad, do they make a HD auto clutch for this tranny and if so, where can I get such an item? I was considering upgrading the motor in the future in which I may/may not(?) need to strengthen the transmission anyway to compensate for the increase in power.
Thank You.

Apr 13, 2001 | 01:38 PM

MikTip

AudiWorld Expert

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 29,356

Likes: 1

I'm confused...............

You say your trans is an "automatic"? But you mention it does not like to shift out of first?
Then you mention it may need a new clutch? Slips
from gear to gear?

So what is it? Automatic or manual?

Apr 13, 2001 | 10:08 PM

®ob

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 12,620

Likes: 4

Change the transmission fluid out.

Some dealers recommended running trans-medic for about 1000 miles. My dad's 200 had the same thing happen. Really needs a rebuild ultimately. Those 3 speed autos suck

Apr 13, 2001 | 10:14 PM

audinutt

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 1,912

Likes: 39

Re: I'm confused...............

automatic transmissions do have clutches...
and he is talking about the standard pre-failure mode.. this is what happens to the 3-speed autos..
and BTW,

mods can be done..
but transmissions will break.....

Synthetic ATF has been rumored to make these last longer.

Apr 14, 2001 | 06:39 AM

MikTip

AudiWorld Expert

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 29,356

Likes: 1

Re: Normally when someone says "clutch may need replacing".....

they are refering to a "manual transmission"!

I'm fully aware automatic transmissions have internal clutch plates, as I have rebuilt several dozen transmissions.

Seems Firemedtech has his terminoligy mixed up?

Apr 14, 2001 | 07:57 AM

Firemeddtech

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Re: Normally when someone says "clutch may need replacing".....

Actually I was referring to the thin paperlike automatic clutch that goes in a automatic transmission. The "people in general" to which I was referring have rebuilt many transmissions in the past but only on domestic vehicles and are unfamiliar with imports. Although most automatic transmissions are similar, they may or may not have different internal parts and connections. They made reference to a slipping clutch in a 1956 Ford T-Bird, once the (auto) clutch was replaced, it runs like a top.

Apr 14, 2001 | 08:02 AM

Firemeddtech

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Re: I'm confused...............

Exactly... it slips from gear to gear. Until it warms up. It is a automatic transmission that slips when it shifts, and when you first start out with the car cold, it is like you are driving a standard and your trying to pull out with your foot half way down on the clutch.