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Transmission Woes

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Old May 21, 2008 | 08:59 PM
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From: Houma La
Default Transmission Woes

Car been sitting up three months , been working on interior.Run engine on a regular basis in driveway. Today finished install of LED tail lights.
Cranked her up and took a ride and automatic did not shift correctly.
Reverse slipped and then grabbed. put into drive and ok did not shift into 2nd easily and did not go into third. Dash center shifter console not in and upper gauge console not in. Does this have anything to do with it? Is there something electrical I may have to plug to shift correctly? Help. TH350 350 '78
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:03 AM
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Sounds to me like it's low on fluid. Check the fluid level when it's hot.

Also, make sure your shifter is getting into the gates of the detent and it's not riding the fence on the gears.

Finally, check the vacuum line that goes from the manifold down to the transmission. Without engine vacuum it won't shift.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 08:13 AM
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From: indy indiana
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I am wondering if your trans filter isnt getting a bit clogged ,but this doesnt really sound like the problem.While idlesing the engine,the trans pump continues to work,but nothing else is "working" and staying lubed.Sorry,just done know enough about automatic to be much help.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 12:37 PM
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believe Durango Boy has diagnosed your problem.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 05:03 PM
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Thanks guys. Started raining today and expect alot for a few days. Will check this all out when dry. I am not sure where the detent is or the module. I think I can figure the vacuum to tranny.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 06:50 PM
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I agree with the above. Sounds like fluid is low. Remember to check it with the car running.

If this isn't the problem, the vacuum is the next best bet. Likely to be the rubber hose down on the passenger side of the tranny from the metal line to the modulator valve (cone shaped thing that sticks out). May even have just come off there. Still, even with the valve off, it should still be fine in reverse.
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Old May 22, 2008 | 07:03 PM
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I had the same problem with my TH400, had a slow leak and the pump lust suction. The weird part was that when I pulled the dip stick, it looked ok on fluid. When it's too low and the pump looses suction there will be a vacuum sound when you pull the dip stick.
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Old May 23, 2008 | 08:10 AM
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Thanks to all I will check it all out today. What suggestions for tranny
fluid?
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Old May 23, 2008 | 08:12 AM
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I have been using and have good luck with Dextron III found at places like Oreilly.
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Old May 23, 2008 | 08:13 AM
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Thanks DB.
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Old May 24, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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From: Houma La
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Fluid was a bit low added and still will not shift into third. All of a sudden reverse starting makeing noise and now no reverse at all. Could hardly get the car to back down the rhino ramps. What now? I am putting her up on jack stands to thoroughly inspect tranny and all hoses,cables and whatever. Will keep ya posted and please send more suggestions.
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Old May 24, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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Jacked her up on stands and inspected the rubbers on the modulator line and looked ok. Changed the rubber on the manifold and still no reverse nor third gear. What else?
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Old May 24, 2008 | 03:52 PM
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OK, the fluid is looking 'normal', the vac line to the rear valve is hooked up to the mani vacuum, the kickdown cable into the tranny is hooked to the carb per stock spec....and functions from what you can see....

those are the only two signals a 350 turbo has to determine gear selection, other than the shifter....

and you sure the thing is in position correctly...no changes on the cable adjustments...slide it throug the gears gently without paying any attention to the gates on the shifter itself in the console....

if no go......you gotta bad tranny....

NOW is the time to consider overdrive auto for fuel economy and freeway speeds.....

but if it's a city car with no extended cruising at 60++ don't bother, ....

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