Engine problems?

[psmoore]

Ok. No automotive experience here so I'll do my best to describe the issue. When starting from a stop the van moves as it should until about 15-20mph and then it's like the engine completely disengages. The engine will rev up like its trying to go but nothing. I let my foot off the gas for 4-6 seconds and then it kicks in and away we go. No other time does this happen. Can drive any speed and distance. Only from a dead stop and at those speeds. This has been happening for a minimum of a year now. Have had it at the shop and no one can find a problem with it. Any suggestions? We're thinking possible fuel line except that it only happens at the same speed, and I would assume if a fuel line issue it would happen at any and all speeds, spark plugs, tranny, etc. appreciate any info.

It is a 2003 with 127,000 miles. We have owned it for 10 years and bought it used with 16-18k on it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[melsg5]

You are describing a transmission that is dropping out of engagement, the engine revs but you dont move forward. I assume you have no idea when the transmission fluid and filter were changed? If not have the transmission serviced but do not flush the transmission. If you still have the issue after the transmission service find a shop that knows how to work on them.

 

[EaOutlaw]

When was the last time you had the transmission fluid level checked?

When was the last time you had the transmission serviced?

Do you have any check engine lights on or any other warning lights?

Has the vehicle been scanned for trouble codes?

If you checked the transmission fluid does it look dark and smell burnt?

From your description it sounds like second gear is not engaging properly.

You may need a rebuild but I would try changing the fluid and filter first. ( filter if it has one ) I could not locate one on Napa.com

You may have one or more valves in the transmission that need to be replaced or at least the screens cleaned.

Normally if a solenoid or control valve is malfunctioning it should trigger a trouble code.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ion-Control-Solenoid/_/R-ECHTCS640_0432820706

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...ion-Control-Solenoid/_/R-ECHTCS561_0532544676

here is a link on how to change the fluid if your interested

http://www.ehow.com/how_5009818_change-transmission-fluid-pontiac-montana.html

 

[psmoore]

Appreciate the replies. We did have it in the shop and they found a small leak somewhere in the transmission line and replaced the filter and fluid then. Still does it. Thinking about trying the PCS first to see. Have found a few other links online that describe the same thing and that was the solution. The filter and fluid and lines were changed in the last year.

No check engine lights come on. I'm gonna check fluid levels tonight when the wife gets home with it from work.

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[EaOutlaw]

How many miles did you have on the Transmission before you had it serviced for the first time?

From reading your post I am guessing the transmission had just over 100K on it.

If this is the case I am thinking you waited way too long to service the transmission, that is if you only serviced it once the entire time you owned it.