Ok, I have a 2000 SC1 1.9L SOHC w/ an automatic and 170k on it. The car is in good condition and runs great. A couple days ago I saw it was low on tranny fluid so I topped it off. About 50 miles later on the way home from work it started to get jerky so I pulled into a gas station to find that the tranny was leaking fluid bad from input shaft seal. (not sure if that's the right name, the seal between the tranny and engine) So I dumped in 3 qts. and drove home just fine. So, my question is.... When it has enuff oil in it, it seems to drive just fine. Is it possible to just replace the seal and go on w/ life or... 1)did the seal let go cuz something else inside is wrong, or 2) would running it that low for a bit cause some internal damage so now I'm screwed and have to find a new/rebuilt/used tranny?

Thanks for any help!!!!!!

 

running anything low on oil is a bad idea and had a friend this happened one her sl talked to my bro who was working for saturn at the time and he said once its over heated once its not goin to last

 

What color is the tranny fluid in there now? Light Red? Dark Red? Does it smell burned?

Get the seal replaced, flush and refill tranny fluid and monitor the situation. Doesn't sound as if you ran it bone dry.....

Do not go to an auto tranny chain unless you personally know the tech working on your car and would trust them with your children. They will insist on selling you all kinds of stuff you don't need -- like a full tranny rebuild---after they hook you with the $99 inspection which is creditable towards any work they do..... They prey on your fear of the unknown.....

OA, please add your tranny wisdom.....