3.1 Transmission problem

[Vovven]

Heya,

My '91 Trans Sport with the 3.1 and 3speed tranny is acting up. Tranny fluid level has always been right between the min/max marks on the dipstick, and shifting has been fine. Just recently though, I have noticed a harsh, very jerky 1-2 shift. I've pulled over and checked fluid level, and it's been below the minimum mark on the stick. I added about half a litre of fluid, and the problem went away. This has happened twice now these past two months. Just today same thing happened again, I filled up with another half a litre of atf, level is again right between minimum and maximum, but problem persists! What could this mean? Filter and fluid was changed last year. Transmission has just under 200k km on it.

Also, and separate from the issue above, I've noticed the TCC lock-up has always engaged quite early, almost right away after the 2-3 shift. It also disengages very late, always below 40 kph. It has never stuck completely to the point of stalling, though, which is the typical sign of a failing TCC solenoid. Any ideas?

[LMP]

early TCC engagement is a computer control issue....why I do not know. However, with my 3.8 and 4 speed 4T60, TCC indeed engages rather soon after 3rd , then shft to 4th is done with the TCC already ON...I think the computer control eases the power for a fraction of a second to make it smooth...but this is speculation, not actually tested .
About late release, it would be interesting to monitor the signal to TCC solenoid, live,--this is a separate plug with this signal only- just to see if actual release occurs at signal off...or if it occurs after that...which would indicate tendency to sticking.
www.avigex.ca/xport/3T40tccplug.jpg

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=551757