88 Buick LeSabre - transaxle

[Aymincendiary]

I have an 88 Buick LeSabre with a 3.8 liter engine and front wheel drive transaxle. I'm having a problem with slippage in 3rd gear; you can hear the engine rev up and the pickup is extremely slow. Also, when the car is at a standstill and put into reverse, there is a lag time before the transmission "catches" and the car can actually go in the specified direction. I have already replaced the fluid and the filter, and the fluid is at the correct level.

This problem occurred suddenly; everything was fine, then one day it miraculously appeared out the blue.

The torque converter clutch is a $30 item at Advanced Auto; however, is this a job a layman can do - or does it require extensive know-how and specialized tools? There's also a speed sensor and the vacuum modulator valve, all inexpensive parts that I may be able to change myself without having to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist.

Any clue as to what may be entailed in getting this transaxle back to health would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

[wrightz28]

I would check the modualtor hose for signs of fluid and or cracks.

[maxwedge]

If the modulator hose checks ok, the delay/ slippage in 3rd and reverse usually siganals the " end" The tcc solenoid has no efffect on your problem.

[HotZ28]

I hate to be the one to break the news, but no amount of external parts or fluid & filter changes will fix this problem. In addition, forget about the torque converter, it has nothing to do with clutch slippage. The symptoms you described, all point to low line pressure caused by internal seal leaks. The more you drive it with clutch slippage, the more damage it will cause. Have a transmission shop check the line pressures. You have a decision to make; is the car worth investing $1400.00 to $2800.00 for a rebuilt trans, or is it time for the graveyard?

BTW, did this slipping occur after the fluid change, or before?

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

I hate to be the one to break the news, but no amount of external parts or fluid & filter changes will fix this problem.

Ladies and Gentleman: The grinch who stole all hope

I've had failing modulators do some funky things that made it seem like the trans was toast.

[HotZ28]

Sorry, but I did not intend to “steal all hope”, however, we do need to deal with the facts here, whether they be the good, bad, or the ugly! Evidently, someone here knows what a “vacuum modulator” is, but may not understand that the modulator controls line pressure throughout the entire shifting sequence (1-2-3-4), not just 3rd gear. In addition, the time delay when shifting into reverse has nothing to do with the vacuum modulator! The modulator simply controls shift points and firmness using line pressure! When the engine is under high vacuum, (low load) the modulator moves the throttle valve in one direction to allow the transmission to shift early and soft. As the engine load increases, vacuum is diminished and moves the valve in the other direction causing the transmission to shift later and more firm. (Higher pressure)
In this case, I agree with MAX, “the delay/ slippage in 3rd and reverse usually siganals the " end"!!

BTW Dylan, it is good to see you made it out of rehab!