Transmission stalls for a second then I feel a bump. 97K miles.
Is that low fluid or transmission going out?
any help appreciated.

 

It's probably A drum issue, but could also be a valve body crack. If you don't see any sign of leakage it's probably not low fluid. but you could check the fluid level to eliminate that.

 

What is a drum issue? Can this transmission be rebuilt/repaired? If so…can local transmission specialists rebuild this transmission?
thanks

 

Do you have the 6 speed trans? If so, it's likely to need the valve body sleeves replaced. They get hard and don't seal properly around this mileage. It caused odd trans symptoms. The replacement can be done with the trans in the car.

 

When was the gearbox fluid and filter last changed and what fluid was used at that change?

Richard

 

The 2002 US version has a 5HP24. Drdaffy- if you do a search for 'A drum failure' you will find hundreds of threads explaining the problem and solution. Yes, it can be rebuilt.

 

I thought all the 4.2 cars had the 6 speed. Did the US not get the 4.2 in 2002?

 

If you have the 5 speed trans - the bore of the pressure valve experiences premature wear. This item is located in the bottom section of the valve body. The wear causes unwanted pressure spikes, which is what you're feeling. There is a kit from Transgo that may fix the problem if it hasn't gone on too long. That portion can also be purchased new and replaced. Now this assumes your stall and bump is occasional. If it's constant then you have more damage.

The top section of the valve body can crack due to these pressure spikes. It requires removal of the valve body to check. These, too, can be purchased new.

Both of the above can be checked/done with the trans in the car, and are substantially less expensive than a rebuild. They are worth checking first. And, if the trans still needs to be rebuilt these new parts can and should be used during the rebuild.