'89 GM transmission slippage

[spidermann59]

Hey All, My creampuff now has lost her 3rd & 4th gears! It began after replacing valve cover gaskets 11/04 @ 73K miles (sound familar?).

On the way home the car was slipping on the freeway and wouldn't kick down.

Well the next day I discovered the disconnected kick down cable, then realized the gromet was broken..a junk yard item. Replaced & reconnected and still bananapeales %!#*^.

The local Ford dealer told me the fluid was burnt and the tranny needed replacing ... I had checked the fluid that morning and it LOOKED fine!?!

Would a transmission service fix this? What should I find when I remove the trans. pan? Do after market trans "fix it" fluids help?? David

[fredjacksonsan]

If it's the same as my 86, when you take off the trans pan you'll see the valve body. There are/were I think 13 bolts holding it on. An aftermarket shift kit might help out, and I believe you can get in there to tighten the bands for 3-4, but haven't done it.

A fluid change might help, or might not. Worth a try anyway.

[cobradude360]

ive found that pouring a bottle of slick shift should help out also the thing with doing a trans service is if the cars trans hasnt been kept up th new fluid could shock the tranny and end up not working but i would say still try it whats the worst that can happen its not doin its job now ne was so hope this helps

[6502dude]

Originally Posted by cobradude360

ive found that pouring a bottle of slick shift should help out also the thing with doing a trans service is if the cars trans hasnt been kept up th new fluid could shock the tranny and end up not working but i would say still try it whats the worst that can happen its not doin its job now ne was so hope this helps

Sorry, I disagree with additives. Lots of "snake oil" on the market.

A lot folks ignore transmission maintence. Poor fluid flow through valve body causes a good number of performance and shift problems. There are a couple of solenoids that act up as well.

Problem may be resolved by simple fluid & filter change. While tranny pan is off, have a look for metal reside in bottom of pan. If the fluid has metal particles, you have big problems.

Fluid and filter change is really simple if you have a hoist. If not, it should only cost about $50

[spidermann59]

Originally Posted by 6502dude

Sorry, I disagree with additives. Lots of "snake oil" on the market.

A lot folks ignore transmission maintence. Poor fluid flow through valve body causes a good number of performance and shift problems. There are a couple of solenoids that act up as well.

Problem may be resolved by simple fluid & filter change. While tranny pan is off, have a look for metal reside in bottom of pan. If the fluid has metal particles, you have big problems.

Fluid and filter change is really simple if you have a hoist. If not, it should only cost about $50

Hey All, Heinz Battermann (auto shop teach) taught to stay away from additives, follow and use and restore to stock ( unless your smarter than the builders) This has worked well through all of my 34 different vehicles...Yeah, I like cars and this is the first A/T I've ever had fry on me...I do know why though.....I read the cold level reading wrong..The mark in the book says DO NOT OPERATE when at this mark...DUHHH.

Waaaahhhh my creampuff !!!! I wish I were pannin' silver I would be rich... So now to decide rebuild, replace, junk yard special...I'd have It gone through at the tranny shop (seals etc.). I just never had a problem with an A/T and will go back to checking when hot!!!

Thank you, yours, David