What Happened To my Transmission????

[corvetterider84]

Today I was heading home from work on the highway, and I decided to open my 84 up a little (very deserted area). I was going about 85 or 90 when all of a sudden my rpms started to jump but i wasn't gaining any more speed or even maintaining a speed. Immediately i slowed it down and went to the slow lane and gave it some gas... STILL NO ACCELERATION!!!:cry Now this is an automatic transmission that I am talking about here, and when i manually shift it to first it moves, and I can't really tell if when I shift it to second gear that it actually engages into second gear, or if its still in first, but I know third and overdrive are not working. Reverse does work though. So i decided to pull it over and check the fluid. It looked normal and was full and I checked it while it was running. When i got it home (very slow and easy ride) I checked for broken vacuum lines or vacuum lines that may have fallen off, but with no luck. Anyone ever have this problem or know what may be up with my car?? I hope my tranny isn't shot, but i fear the worst. Thanks for any help, input, or replies.

 

[Ken]

I know nothing about automatic transmissions, but it sounds to me like it's time for a visit to your local transmission shop. Unless someone comes up with an idea of what could have possibly worked itself loose, i.e., a vacuum line or something, it sounds like the transmission is just showing its age and is starting to slip in drive. I doubt if it'll be something for the backyard mechanic, unless you know transmissions.

 

[mike weyman]

you can change the filter and if it works good then you will know the tranny is on it's way out.that will mean the filings of the tranny guts have filled the filter.it may work for awhile but will soon die.mike

 

[jmccloud]

Lost 3 & 4 gear

Had the same symptoms about 18 months ago. The trans shop knew exactly what it was from the description but I don't recall the name of the broken part. It was so deep that a full rebuild was in order. $1600 including remove, rebuild, replace and a follow up visit with a guarantee.
Works great still. Didn't like spending the money but it runs really well now.
The model years are very different. Hope your solution is less expensive but as effective.

 

[redc4corvette]

Mine worked great in first and second gear,no 3rd and 4th 4L60E only cost $2400.00 1994 vert.

My 86 worked for awhile but 3-4 went and 1-2 had slight slip only $1200.00
But that is behind me now that was last month ,the 700r4 works great with the 3000 stall convert and shift kit ,but the 94 trans still sucks I wish it shifted like the 700r4.
Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Mad-Mic]

sounds like the 3 to 4 th gear clutch packs toasted. very common to happen unfortunatly. be thankful you DO have the 700R4 and not a 4L60E cause they are junk.

get it to a reputable tranny shop that specializes in 700R4's and know how to build it back to CORVETTE specs. if not you might as well have the 4L60E, which btw is in 93 or 94 and up vettes and are junk due to computer controlled shifts which in return also controls the line pressure of the shift.

another long story in itself..

good luck

 

[MoeJr]

I have to agree here it sounds like your tranny is toast. Like Mic said find a reputable transmission shop to rebuild it to Corvette specs. Keep in mind that while they are rebuilding it have them upgrade the 3-4 shift sleeve to the 85 and up so you can get rid of the OD lock out at WOT. I did this on mine when I got it but my tranny didn't need to be rebuilt so they just did the sleeve. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[Mad-Mic]

I have to agree here it sounds like your tranny is toast. Like Mic said find a reputable transmission shop to rebuild it to Corvette specs. Keep in mind that while they are rebuilding it have them upgrade the 3-4 shift sleeve to the 85 and up so you can get rid of the OD lock out at WOT. I did this on mine when I got it but my tranny didn't need to be rebuilt so they just did the sleeve. Good Luck and keep us posted.

what he said

thats why i said to get it built to "Corvette" specs. BIG difference from a standard 700R4 build compared to Corvette specs. no reason a 700R4 shouldn't last the life of the car if not driven too hard.

i got 40,000 miles on mine since i've had it and it's took a beating :L i'll need a rebuild soon myself though. 1-2 is starting to slip slightly

hitting the 3-4 shift at WOT is alot of fun mine comes in at 145 mph....lol

 

[MoeJr]

lol Mic. U and those highway flyer gears shift 3-4 WOT at 145. Mine goes 3-4 wot at 116 mph. Haven't had the cajones to push it to top speed. 82 and 84 Vette 700R4's are the only ones that had the WOT lock out even though everything else was calibrated to the Vette.

 

[Mad-Mic]

lol Mic. U and those highway flyer gears shift 3-4 WOT at 145. Mine goes 3-4 wot at 116 mph. Haven't had the cajones to push it to top speed. 82 and 84 Vette 700R4's are the only ones that had the WOT lock out even though everything else was calibrated to the Vette.

gotcha

all i know is at 145 it hits 3-4 shift as hard as 1-2 shift oh and BTW i was theroretically speaking of course :gap

 

[C4ME]

This sounds similar to a symptom I had on a test ride the other day.

Will a filter change have any effect on performance so I can begint to save for a rebuild?

 

[Mad-Mic]

This sounds similar to a symptom I had on a test ride the other day.

Will a filter change have any effect on performance so I can begint to save for a rebuild?

yes and no

rule of thumb is if the fluid is old and or never been changed don't change it because the fluid has broken down the gasket and what is holding the fluid together is the break down of the gasket mixed with the fluid. this means the old fluid is thicker than new fluid. (if that makes sense) so if you change it, it might get better but most cases it does for about a day or so then goes completely south on you.