Funny transmission problem.

[Macgyver]

For some reason now when I start up the vette cold and then try to go anywhere it just sits there. I have to rev it and once it gets to about 1700-2000 rpms it will then go very slowly like Im barely touching the gas. This is only during the first 5mins of driving on a cold start. If I drive for like ten minutes then it will be fine the next time I get in and drive during the next 3hours. ITs like the tranny has to warm up or smoething.

My only guess is that its the torque lockup converter but I have no idea what it does. Any suggetions?

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Have you checked the fluid levels? I know you probably have.
How long ago did you have the trans serviced? There seems to be a fluid flow problem there, but I am no expert. Maybe a dirty filter???


Tony

 

[Macgyver]

A fluid flow problem? Well I did change the radiator and reconnecting the lines was an MFr. Im preety sure that I got the lines to the right openings but they were shaped differently so that it was easy to determine what goes where. The fluid level is good and it doesnt leak tranny fluid like it did before. It wouldnt hurt to double chack those lines though, thanks.

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Nah, I mean the transmission fluid inside the transmission. The flow doesn't sound right being that it is a hydraulic item. If there isn't any fluid, then the tranny won't work.
By having to wait until the fluid heats up or until flow is improved, then there must be some sort of flow problem.
I am no expert, but I do think it is internal flow of transmission fluid, maybe a blocked filter or a pump?

Keep us posted.


Tony

 

[black_81_vette]

I have seen this problem before the lip seals that apply the clutch packs are most likely hardend from heat and or worn allowing cold fluid wich is thicker to go right past the seals.When the fluid gets hot the seal(s) can hold the pressure and all seems normal.Either way its going to have to come out and get resealed.BTW while you or who ever is in there checking it out pay close attention to how the clutches look.

 

[Macgyver]

If its an internal thing than oh well, hopefully it wont crap out on me in the next month. I was hoping also that I could just move a wire or clean something off. Ill be doing the 700r4/2004r swap shortly, whichever one I can get my hands on the cheapest.

When I was on the highway this morning on a trip my tranny would slip into 2nd gear w/ out any notice or me touching it. I had to move the stick to 2nd a dn shift to third and it would go but that just seems to wired that it would do that. Come on paycheck!

 

[wishuwerehere82]

McGuyver,

It sounds like maybe your front pump impellers are getting brittle, and not pumping the tranny fluid to the valve body much when cold. It could also be a control valve that's sticking, or the clutch pack cylinder that's sticking.
Either way, it's a control problem in the the hydraulics.
Probably not a torque converter problem.

 

[1974vette]

my transmission used to do the same thing right after i first cranked the vette up. i serviced my car and added more transmission fluid and it quit...

 

[Macgyver]

Perfect, thats the answer I was looking for. LOL Its actually getting better on its own but Ill drain it and put in a new filter tonight hopefully, if I can figure out where theyre located? wish me luck

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Perfect, thats the answer I was looking for. LOL Its actually getting better on its own but Ill drain it and put in a new filter tonight hopefully, if I can figure out where theyre located? wish me luck

Get a new pan gasket when you get the filter. You will need to drop the pan to drain the fluid, then the filter is inside. it's a plastic piece that has a new fluid pickup on it.
Push in the filter with a new O-ring, bolt up the pan, and fill it back up with fluid.
Hope it works! Good luck.

 

[KOPBET]

What happens if you manually shift into low?

I have a transmission (non Corvette) that is doing that right now. Problem is it is not kicking down to lower gears. Upshifts ok if you manually down shift before a stop. Has a diagnostic code that says shift solenoid 1 bad. Trying to start roll in 3rd gear.

 

[Macgyver]

Perfect, thanks for those directions thats exactly what I needed. Am i going to have to mess w/ the trans fluid lines?

If I down shift to second while driving everythings fine it operates as normal. I was driving it as a manual for a few days though becuase i needed to get a new hose to attach the vacuum from the carb to the tranny metal line. So it wouldnt shift into 3rc automatically. maybe that cuased problems.

 

[MMM]

When you remove the trans filter, check for the number of "o" rings on the filter neck (where it goes into the trans case). On some GM trans it was recommended that two o-rings are used. This seal is critical and sometimes two rings help. Also, buy a can of "Trans - X" and put it in. I think the manufacturer is KW and the can or bottle is blue, black and silver. Can be purchases in any automotive parts store. Trans-x softens the seals and is a good band-aid for helping to keep an ailing transmission in operation for just a little while longer.
Mike

 

[Macgyver]

excellent, thanks for that tip since Murphys Law says that Im ont going to get the new tranny this month.