Transmission Shifts Oddly... Can't Make up its mind.

[PeteA216]

Hey everyone. On my '84 Caprice (305 4bbl/ 700R4 Tranny) the tranny has been acting kind of wierd. It shifts nice and firm from 1st to 2nd, but then is pretty soft from 2nd to 3rd, and when it goes from 3rd to 4th (overdrive) It doesnt shift unless I let off the gas completely, and when it does shift it shifts VERY VERY hard. Also, sometimes when I've got my speed up there (55 MPH - 60 MPH), and have the pedal at a steady position the tranny will shift into overdrive on its own, but it will bounch back and fourth between 3rd and overdrive unless I let off the gas, or give it more. Does anyone have any idea as to what could be causing it to act this way?

The tranny has had a pretty rough past. I thought I was going to be replacing it a while back, so I kind of beat the crap out of it , but it turned out the TV cable was just out of adjustment so I'm keeping the spare tranny I bought in my garage.

[silicon212]

Sounds like a TV cable adjustment to me.

[PeteA216]

Oh, okay... I'll have to screw around with it. Thanks!

[mackamitsu]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

Oh, okay... I'll have to screw around with it. Thanks!

if its not a TV adjustment, you may have a plugged galley or a partially plugged galley. Not unusual to see in many older trannies. A flush and top up won't hurt, but if you end up going that route, might as well get the filter changed.

[PeteA216]

I've already changed the filter and fluid about 10,000 miles ago

[mackamitsu]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

I've already changed the filter and fluid about 10,000 miles ago

drop a little fluid and smell it, rub it between your fingers and eyeball it. If its burnt, feels gritty or looks burnt there is something going on. Also being older the friction bands may be out of adjustment. Oh and check this out, this guy has some good notes.




700-R4

I added it to my favourites.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by mackamitsu

Also being older the friction bands may be out of adjustment

Not on the 700 - no adjustable bands. When a transmission gets advanced in the wear department, it'll generate more 'varnish'. This is a grayish, sludgelike coating of all of the internal components. Is there a varnish buildup on the dipstick? If so, clean it, drive the car a few days and check again. If you see varnish again, then the transmission will need an overhaul.

[mackamitsu]

Originally Posted by silicon212

Not on the 700 - no adjustable bands. When a transmission gets advanced in the wear department, it'll generate more 'varnish'. This is a grayish, sludgelike coating of all of the internal components. Is there a varnish buildup on the dipstick? If so, clean it, drive the car a few days and check again. If you see varnish again, then the transmission will need an overhaul.

ahh learn something new everyday.

[PeteA216]

Okay, I've screwed around with the TV cable. I loosened it, tightened it, reset it (Pulled it out, and used the throttle to pull it into position as instucted my a mechanic) and no real change except the time in which it shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. I didn't find any varnish on the dipstick, nor did it smell, but the fluid looked darker than usual. Thanks for all your help guys!

[mackamitsu]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

Okay, I've screwed around with the TV cable. I loosened it, tightened it, reset it (Pulled it out, and used the throttle to pull it into position as instucted my a mechanic) and no real change except the time in which it shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. I didn't find any varnish on the dipstick, nor did it smell, but the fluid looked darker than usual. Thanks for all your help guys!

plugged galley is what it sounds like.

[PeteA216]

Ugh, that figures... So where should I go from here? Will it unclog itself over time, or do I need to open up the tranny? Would I be better off just putting the new tranny I have in the car, or just wait for the one thats in there now to die?

[mackamitsu]

You can get a flush done, the price usually includes the cost to fill the tranny back up. I use Q Lube because they have a warranty, plus its a dose to do a flush yourself if you don't have the equipment.

[PeteA216]

I'll have to give it a shot. It'll probably happen after Christmas. Thanks for your help.