A131L Help!

[heavy47]

Hello all.

I have a 91 Corolla DX with a 3 speed A131L transmission. I had the original tranny replaced with a junk-yard-special, but the guy who installed it had to have done something wrong (it wouldn't go further down than drive, (no D2 and below). The transmission shifted WAY late (1st-2nd at 30MPH) (2nd-3rd at 55MPH), and just never seemed quite right.

Anyway, yesterday while driving it home it started whining very loud and making loud grinding/clunking noises, and it wouldn't shift out of 1st. I was driving it home at a steady 30, when it suddenly stopped moving, just revving like it was in neutral.
My guess is that this transmission is dead (please correct me if I'm wrong!), which really blows because it only had 84k (took it out of a totaled Geo Prizm).

So I have a few questions...
1) Is it hard to remove/ install this transmission?
2) If I install another transmission, will I need to do something else to get the shifter to work correctly? (Shift down into D2 also)
3) I know this is a A131L transmission (auto, 3 speed, 15 pan bolts). According to Wikipedia, this model of tranny was used from 1984-2002 in the Corolla. Would a newer A131L work in my car (with/without and mods)?
4) Is there any other model transmission (maybe the 4 speed?) that is a direct bolt on for this car?
5) What about a rebuild? Would this fix the possible differential problem as well?

ANY help is greatly appreciated. I'm getting rides to/ from everywhere and would rather pay another $200 for a junk yard tranny (and do it myself) than buy a new car.

[Flashmn]

getting a autotranny rebuilt is one option. it might be a bit overwhelming to do it by yourself, if you dont have prior experience.

[heavy47]

Originally Posted by Flashmn

getting a autotranny rebuilt is one option. it might be a bit overwhelming to do it by yourself, if you dont have prior experience.

Thank you for your quick response

The thing is I'm trying not to spend too much on this thing (it's a 91), so having someone else rebuild it is really not an option for me.

My biggest question is;

If I replace this with another used tranny, will I need to do anything else to fix the shifter problem (not going into D2) or is this something inside of the current tranny?
I'm leaning toward replacing it myself with a used one. I don't mind if it's a 3, or 4 speed as long as it works and bolts right up. Would you happen to know if there are any other tranny's that are a direct bolt-on for this car? I'd like to shop around a bit and find the best deal I can.

[MKEAE92]

NORMALLY when you are having issues with shifting through the gears in an auto tranny its simply a linkage issue. Something was binding and/or not adjusted and/or installed correctly.

If you aren't going to pay someone to do it, do not even think about rebuilding the thing. If you have to ask questions about it I promise it will turn into a nightmare!!!

Your best bet is going to be finding another used tranny. If you are picky about it, you can find a nice one at a good price. If time is of the escense, I would learn towards finding a more reputable parts yard in your area with a decent return policy or warrnty. You may end up spending a few more dollars, but at least you will have a good tranny in your hands. If you go find the cheapest thing on the block you may be setting yourself up for disaster.

[Flashmn]

yeah, but the used tranny can be in similar condition.

if it was me, I'd pop the transmission open or in the op's case, get it examined. Most automatic transmission problems come from dirty oils which seize the pistons from working, thus the clutchpacks and band brakes dont engage/lock up. When you get the combination of two engaging at the wrong time, you're going to cause damage or if they dont engage, the car wont move anywhere.

[plyr503]

I had transmission troubles with my automatic sedan as well, after three transmissions I was either going to put a bullet through the block or swap it to a five speed.....I'm glad I chose to do the five speed swap..............just a thought.

[MKEAE92]

Originally Posted by Flashmn

yeah, but the used tranny can be in similar condition.

if it was me, I'd pop the transmission open or in the op's case, get it examined. Most automatic transmission problems come from dirty oils which seize the pistons from working, thus the clutchpacks and band brakes dont engage/lock up. When you get the combination of two engaging at the wrong time, you're going to cause damage or if they dont engage, the car wont move anywhere.

Agreed - which is why I put very specific conditions on the purchase of the used tranny. If you rush into it and purchase on price alone - you are setting yourself up for diaster. I have done this many times - including on friends vehicles. One of which is still going strong 70k miles later. Did the same thing with my other car, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. She is still going strong as well. The key is finding a reputable source that will allow returns if something isn't right once you get the car going. I also like to fill the trans up with fluid, drive it for about 500 miles and change the fluid again. Overkill? Possibly. But I've done tranny swaps on 13 different cars now, all sourced from salvage yards and only have had to tear one tranny back out.

If swapping to a 5 speed is something you would consider - that would definitely be even better!