# Transmition Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 25, 2008, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019 "2008-01-25T21:30:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gbro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Gbro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gbro)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019/1 "2008-01-25T21:30:44Z")
My wifes friends, 1991 Olds full size. I tried it out and 1 & 2nd seem OK, But when it shifts into D nothing. just slips. Oil smells burnt and I think it is toast, But have never seen one go in just Drive. Was wondering if maybe a modulator is faulty? Any help would be greatly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019/2 "2008-01-25T22:17:14Z")
I’m doubtful about it being a modulator, given the other items noted, but will admit that GM shushboxes aren’t my strong suit. I’m going to say the drive band is toast, and if you’re extremely lucky, that’s all. That being said, tearing it down to replace just that part is foolish, so you’re looking at an overhaul, anyway. Before **Rick** and **Gary T** come in and ask the question, how many miles on it? ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019/3 "2008-01-25T22:20:20Z")
If this transmission has seen the average level of maintenance that people give to their transmissions, it’s gone 17 years on the original fluid and filter and is a goner. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2008, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019/4 "2008-01-25T22:40:41Z")
It’s definitely not a modulator. Overhaul time, sorry to say. ---
**Author:** ![Gbro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Gbro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gbro)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmition-question/435019/5 "2008-01-26T03:33:44Z")
Thanks Guys, I figured as much but it never hurts to ask, especially when there are so many great people around.