I have been having what I thought were misfire problems but mechanic has diagnosed as a drive link assembly slippage problem. He says the link is jumping teeth causing a bang in the tranny that sounds like a misfire. It happens only when warm, in park or neutral, or when almost coming to a stop at a red light. He say I need a new transmission. Any second opinions?

Hard to say without actually looking at it. have you talked to another shop? If the trans is jumping teeth then that'* the drive chain. If that'* the case it will need a new chain and likely gears. Do you have any codes you can post up?

No codes generated. New coils, plugs, wires, fuel pump, injectors/fuel rail, battery and the alternator tests good. The mechanic did not dissamble the tranny just went on an earkier experience with a similar problem.

sorry, it'* my typing not my spelling that'* bad. Can the link be replaced with tearing down the whole trans?

Transmission work is expensive work. I would want a better answer then a hunch. To change the drive chain you would at the least need to lower the sub frame and transmission/engine low enough to get the side pan off. You looking at 8 to 10 hours in a shop.

Do you get a "popcorn popper" type noise if you brake torque the car in drive? If so, it probably is a bad chain and it can be done in the car. You will need to remove the side cover and the valve body/channel plate assembly. You can leave the valve body bolted to the channel plate if you are careful. But if you do swap the chain, DO NOT remove the input shaft!!! Take the snap ring off the drive sprocket and leave the input shaft where it is

When I brake torque the car in drive I do not get the popcorn popping sound. It only sounds like that in Park or Neutral or when I slow down to a stop in Drive. If I coast to a stop then put it in Drive the noise stops. I love my Riv but can't justify $2500 to replace the trans. If I can get a shop to replace the chain and sprockets do you think I can get it done for less? .

Nothing in the transmission is moving when the car is not moving. The torque converter is turning, but nothing inside the trans. So I don't feel the chain is the problem. Might want to check where the flex plate and the torque converter connect. You could drop the bottom pan to change the fluid and filter. Then inspect the pan for any chunks. Anything like this is bad.

Based on what you just posted, you don't have "chain jump". You probably have a Reverse Reaction Drum (we call it a stovepipe) that is coming apart. It is a common problem with this trans.

The gear train is turning by centrifugal force and stops moving when you put the trans in gear.

That'* the first I've heard on that one Steve. Good to know.

Here'* what Steve is talking about, and it'* just about in the center of the transmission.