1978 TransAm Trans. No Foward

[mhawk1134]

I have a 1978 Trans Am automatic transmission. The car has no foward gears, no 1st, 2nd, only has reverse. There is a bit of a burning smell comming from the trans fluid. Can anyone help me pleasee? Thanks

[MagicRat]

If the transmission has never been serviced, the filter may be clogged, which restricts fluid pressure and flow. I had a '77 Caprice with the same trans as yours. When the filter became blocked, it lost forwaqrd gears before it lost reverse.

Try dropping the transmission pan, drain the trans, clean the pan and replace the filter.
In my experience, this fixes shifting problems like yours about half the time.

[mhawk1134]

All right thanks alot. I will try that. If thats not the case, someone told me it could be the foward clutches that are burnt? Could this also be the case?

[MrPbody]

Considering reverse still works, it MUST be the forward clutch pack. The transmission needs to be rebuilt (no "patching" automatics).

Reverse requires about 80% more line pressure than any of the forward gears. This is the rationale for pointing to the forward clutch pack.

The burnt smell of the fluid also indicates the trans is fried. You'll probably find a bunch of fibre flakes and maybe some "glitter" in the pan when you drop it to service it. If so, just finish draining it and pull it out.

Jim

[mhawk1134]

Hey guys, thankyou so much for the help. Im guessing a trans rebuild is going to cost me alot?

[MrPbody]

A "stock" bench-build (you pulled it out) should cost around $750, including "good" parts. "Hard parts" (drums, shafts, etc.) are not normally included in such a rebuild price.

R&R (remove and replace) should cost between $350 and $700, depending on what part of the country you live in.

Jim