Trans pump failing?

[yellow77]

Wierd stuff, but when started from cold, I get no drive in any gear for about 60 seconds, then it behaves ok. However, if I overfill the tranny, problem goes away, but of course fluid leaks everywhere. It is the original THM400.
Thoughts, comments, etc.....

Cheers

Richard

 

[jdp6000]

Don't mess with it by over filling. The technology is basic. If the oil isn't burn't it could be a minor fix. I don't recall how the older cars work but I think its like the newer. You torque converter should always be pressurized. If you are getting drip down the car will not move until the converter is pressurized again. There are internal rubber seals that harden over time. 60 seconds will eventually become minutes. Once it becomes minutes you will have caused some serious interal damage to the clutches and possible case. I learned this the hard way with a Cadillac. $400 became $4700.

It could also be a simple as a tune up. Have the internal filter changed and service the shift kit.

Regardless at this point I don't think you are into big bucks.

Jim

 

[yellow77]

Thanks for the quick reply Jim. I have a local tranny shop seems to do good work, so I will take it there for a quote.

Cheers

Richard

 

[goertz]

Thanks for the quick reply Jim. I have a local tranny shop seems to do good work, so I will take it there for a quote.

Cheers

Richard

most likely internal seal failure. sounds cheap and easy right? just a seal? To replace internal seals requires a rebuild. Fortunately though, rebuilds on a 400 should be really affordable. I think AAMCO rebuilds those with a 3/36,000 warranty for under $1000.00, and that's a high end price to have one rebuilt. Tough as nails transmission though.