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1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - Printable Version

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1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - billuke - 01-19-2014

Hi I am a new member and cant believe I've owned my Sidekick for 14 years and never been here! Anyway, first I want to thank the guy who posted the 4 tdc instead of the 1 tdc fix for the timing belt issue. THANK YOU!

Here's my question, My car needs to run for about a mile in 2nd gear because if I put in drive before running it that mile (or so) it will slip untill I go that distance.In other words if I start out in D= Drive it will slip,so I can start out in 2nd gear drive for a mile then I can hear the engine tame down and bingo,put in (D )drive and its fine. Also The tranny doesn't slip at all after that,it runs fine.It only does it when the car is cold .....CLUE?

It's been doing this for over a year and I am sick of it.A mechanic told me he thinks it could be some sensor in the tranny,but without tearing it apart he's not sure (Understandible) but wants $200 just to look at it.

anyone else here has/had this issue?

Thanks for your reply


RE: 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - fixkick - 01-19-2014

yes, the cam cogs, are funky chickens, false marks ! that is my page, 1st to do it ever. on the web back in 2007.


http://www.fixkick.com/slush-pump.html

stuck in 1st gear hot?
ok a 3speed, (no OD lamp, transmission has a vacuum modulator, no 4sp does) the 3speed has no warning lamps ever.!!
(classic fails cold) first gear dead (drive)
the 3speed, is different. very much so. than the 4speed, vast diffs.
its is all 100% mechanical.
my guess, is the transmission fails in first gear cold, 2nd works cold,


no tech talk
ok the fsm covers all the tests for the 3speed but is steeped in tech and tools.

the FSM shows simple tests parked, called ON CAR TESTS. Tranny in car.
Nero tests, thumbs up, thumbs down on trans.:
Ill just list them and common failures.
1: stall test. hot and cold, yours will fail the cold test? the stall test is easy , i can show a video, it takes 5 seconds...
2: pump pressure low, cold, , you replace the pan filter (or screen clean) and bingo, cold ATF fluid now passes thru the filter, 50k mile service does work... bla bla.
3: vacuum modulator is known to fail in many ways, leak and make engine smoke, leak inside, causing late shifts or non hot. (my guess yours is ok)
but on old cars, its best to just put a fresh one on.
http://www.fixkick.com/slush-pump.html#MOD
4: the Governor can fail or its tiny screens, love to fail COLD, and will cause late shifting and not 1st gear failures.
5: detent TV , passing cable valve stuck open, causes late shifting all the time. hot or cold

so my guess. is the filter is clogged.

do a real full flush, and filter, do not skip the filter like the jokers at jiphphylube do , or kwix...... THE PAN MUST BE DROPPED. (drained first ask)

best practice on 3sp, do the 50k, get the gasket, and the drain plug kit, use a huge oil catch bin (I use a huge plastic tub) to catch the oil, 1st time
then clean or replace the filter, (some years screens others filters) then install the new drain plug.
put it all back. with new gasket , then go to any full flush service and do the full flush
the above only gets a tiny amount of ATF in the pan, there is vast more in the clutch.
This is a very cheap fix. $100?


and tell your mech, there is no sensors in the 3 speed, its the same transmission in a 1975 jeep mail carrier truck, yah , a very old , design.


RE: 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - billuke - 01-19-2014

Hi and thanks for your time. It's a 3 speed 4X4 I forgot to mention that.Your talking a little over my head as I am not a mechanic,
but I'll read it "till I do.


RE: 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - fixkick - 01-20-2014

sorry i edited, it.
but , it is impossible to not talk tech about something so complex as an A/T
it has over 200 parts and 50 failure symptoms.
and all tests, (cept the stall test) is very tech,
when people post , they dont mention , that they want DIY, help or just want and idea of what to do.
here is what my post should have been.
1: do the 50k service. on it.
2: check levels.
3: check color of ATF, pink perfect ,red ok, brown bad, black cry, black and silver dust in it , panic. (color of the oil , on tip of dipstick)


RE: 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - billuke - 01-20-2014

Hey helperbee THANKS for your info ! I think I will do what you say and get the full flush/filter /screen replacement done and see where I stand with it.

A friend just recomended a Tranny shop that is very good and honest so I will deal with them tommorow.

I will post back with the Flush results,and if this fixes it ......

A: I'll feel like a idiot 'cause this is a cheap fix and

B: I owe you one !!!

THANK YOU..........BILL


RE: 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic - fixkick - 01-20-2014

im crossing fingers, screen packed. it is one of the top fails.

for sure i dont know what is wrong but do above first and if the 2 stall test pass. it might good to go.

good luck to you !