From what you have described, the transmission is worn out. The causes could be a weak pump, which has allowed the transmission line pressure to be too low, which has burned up the clutch packs. No matter what the cause, the transmission needs to be rebuilt, or replaced with a new unit. I would not drive the vehicle. Tow trucks are way too resonable to fool around with trying to drive something like this.

Sounds like an oil problem to me. Either low oil or poor pump pressure. If it's very short of oil you could wreck it in short order. I wouldn't drive it untill it's fixed.

Richard Harris

Much appreciated, I'll check the oil, and the atf was low when I looked at it (idling in park), but still the correct red colour. I'll see how it goes after topping the fluid and oil up. Then at least I'll know if it's more serious. Thanks so much!! :-)

Hi mondeodriver8,

The oil may lessen the 'clinking sound' but that clinking sound is very ominous! Sound as bwrench said, that you are in for a rebuild , and replacement of the clutch and gearbox.

Modern gearboxes are so reliable it often comes as a shock when they do fail. It is one of the few things on a car that you cannot get you hands dirty up to your elbows trying to look into it while it is still on the engine?

I would check out the clutch for sure, and the gearbox must be removed to do this so it is the perfect time to get in rebuilt or replaced with a renovated one?

Just in passing, does anyone know of a clutch for a car or truck where you do not have to remove the gearbox to have it replaced?

Happy holidays to all

Yes. Some of the early model Saab cars could have the clutch replaced without engine or transmission removal, and also the Datsun B200 could have the clutch assemble replaced without removing the engine.

Hi bwrench,

WOW! I asked on the off chance and did not expect to get a positive reply like yes!

I wonder why this system was not picked up and used on other vehicles? It is such a pain having to replace a clutch, and while doing so it is relatively easy to screw the shaft of the gearbox as I replace it! That is apart from the weight of the gearbox making the job even more a PITA!

I will search those vehicles out and see the difference.

Thank you so much! And happy holiday!

The original Mini had a transverse engine with the gearbox in the 'sump'. The clutch was housed in the end of the engine & could be changed by jacking the engine up on that side. Perhaps this is the same for other transverse engines.

First port of call should be your "filter", the AFT system should have a filter between oil storage and clutch, any blockage at this filter will not allow the sytem to engage the clutch correctly( i think it is an oil pressure system) I once had the same problem when I needed a run-up to get up a hill. Seemed a big worry but such an easy fix.

Hope this gives you other options