Hello,

I heard this was a comon problem with 2nd generation neons. Have you guys had this problem before? And if yes how did you fix it? And how much did it chost?

Thank you

 

The coolant mixes into the transmission fluid and destroys it. The best fix is to bypass the factory unit altogether with a standalone aftermarket cooler.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I just changed the radiator and topped up all fluids and it seems to work fine...for now. But i want to make sure i wont have the same problem in the future.

Do you know where i can find one of those aftermarket coolers and are there any specific ones that fit the 2.0 neons?

thanks

 

Parts stores, eBay, Amazon, Summit, Jegs...
You just have to get the proper universal one and run the lines to it instead of the factory unit.

 

don't use regular gas line for new trans cooler hoses.

 

also something else... supposedly, the replacement or aftermarket radiators do not have the problem with failing like the OEM one. So you may have solve the problem already, unless the radiator you put in is a used one... but most people like to be more safe than sorry
I know Auto zone has one (just look for the smallest one they have, it's all you need).. for either 29 or 39 bucks

 

As you know by now with swapping rads, they cool both the coolant and the tranny fluid. If they are mixing, it is happening inside of the radiator. New radiator would fix it or you could put in a universal fluid cooler. Get your measurements from examining the space in your car. You would then have to plug up the inlet/outlet where the tranny lines were going into the radiator.

 

Thanks a bunch guys.

I swapped the radiator with a brand new one (life time guaranteed) and everything seems to work perfect ...except one thing:
Whenever i slow down, to about 25mph and 1000 RPM, the car jerks. I think that is when it downshifts from 3rd to second gear.
Is that permanent damage due to the fact that i drove the car when it was running
low on transmission fluid? What else could be the problem? And what can i do about it?

Thank you

 

It would probably be damage due to the coolant and transmission fluid mixing if anything.