Questions and Answers

Ford Probe Transmission Out To Lunch Q. Hi Vince, First off, wanted to say great site, and keep up the good work. My question to you is: I have a 1994 Ford Probe 5 speed transmission, with about 183,000 kilometers on the engine. What recently happened is, when I was backing up, I turned my steering wheel to the left and heard a breaking noise.

After that point on, last week, I can drive the car in reverse, but cannot drive it forward. When I first start the car and let go of the clutch, there is a constant growling noise until I press the clutch again. Could this be a break in the transmission?

Cheers,
Paul

A. I wish I had better news for you, but I think the inside of your transmission is trashed. Since you can put the car in reverse, that says the clutch is still working. Basic rule of thumb is if you hear a noise with the clutch depressed, it is a throwout bearing. If you hear it with the clutch released, it's an input shaft bearing.

The good news is that is a common transmission and you can get a good used one for a decent price.