Ok. I have a '98 cav with the 2.4 5speed and I just recently replaced the transmission. Now, I'm having a hard time getting it started. When I turn the key I hear the fuel pump kick on and all the lights work but when I turn the key I get nothing. Almost seems as if the battery drains a little bit as the lights dim slightly. I replaced the starter solenoid and then even grabbed a junkyard starter and there was no change.

This leads me to believe that either there is something wrong with the transmission and or the install of it. One time when trying to start the car I got a loud pop that came from where the starter/top of the transmission area. It sounded electrical. Is there a possibility that the transmission is not letting the flywheel turn and therefore not allowing the car to start? I tried to see if the transmission was seized up and turned the wheels as its up on stands and when i turn a wheel, the other wheel turns the opposite direction. This seems a little bit odd to me. It doesn't matter what gear I put the car in it still does it but I can hear it shifting gears.

So it looks like I have at least one problem but actually there is probably more. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks for the help.

if you can put it in gear and get 2 people to turn both front wheels in the forward direction (while the cars on jack stands) then its not locked up . id be doubble check the wiring and comparing it to the factory repair manual . hope this helps .


,Justin

the opposite wheel rotating in the opposite direction is normal for a open/slip differential.

that doesn't make any sense, in no way is that related to the transmission. More than likely you probably either wired the starter incorrectly or pinched a wire in between the trans and the motor when you were bolting it down. causing it to short.