1986 Auto Trans Shifting issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: MD
1986 Auto Trans Shifting issue
My vette just started this the other day...
if I floor it while moving... the rpms go all the way up to the top of the yellow (Rev limiter?) before it shifts...
It does not accelerate as fast as it used to... and I can't pass on the highway like I used to... its like it is not downshifting like it used too...
what gives?
help...
Philip
if I floor it while moving... the rpms go all the way up to the top of the yellow (Rev limiter?) before it shifts...
It does not accelerate as fast as it used to... and I can't pass on the highway like I used to... its like it is not downshifting like it used too...
what gives?
help...
Philip
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Adjust the TV cable. If that doesn't fix it then your clutches are GONE. ...usually caused by a TV cable that isn't adjusted correctly. ...or lots more power than stock.
If you're really lucky (not likely, though) you might be able to fix it by changing fluid.
If you're really lucky (not likely, though) you might be able to fix it by changing fluid.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 277
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I have had the governor fail in my vette before, would rev but never shifted up. check your fluid is still red if it is that is good, brown is bad sign for slipping and burnt clutches. Bring the vette to an auto trans shop to get an expert opinion before it is too late.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 2
From: Canandaigua New York
First off.. Is the tranny fluid brown or red?
Does it smell burnt?
If not. Then the first thing I would do, before rebuilding or replacing the trans, is to adjust the TV cable.
It's simple to do.
First. Push the 'D' connector all the way back in.
Next. Get in the car and push the throttle all the way down. (or have someone else do it
so you can listen for the 'click' of the 'D' connector)
You should hear the 'D' connector 'click' into place.
Take it for a ride.
If it shifts a little too 'early',or the shift seems too 'soft', then pull out on the 'D' connector one 'click' at a time and retest. Keep doing this until the car shifts correctly.
No need to throw money away until you are 'sure' that what you need is a rebuild.
Does it smell burnt?
If not. Then the first thing I would do, before rebuilding or replacing the trans, is to adjust the TV cable.
It's simple to do.
First. Push the 'D' connector all the way back in.
Next. Get in the car and push the throttle all the way down. (or have someone else do it
so you can listen for the 'click' of the 'D' connector)
You should hear the 'D' connector 'click' into place.
Take it for a ride.
If it shifts a little too 'early',or the shift seems too 'soft', then pull out on the 'D' connector one 'click' at a time and retest. Keep doing this until the car shifts correctly.
No need to throw money away until you are 'sure' that what you need is a rebuild.
Last edited by Keystring; Jun 10, 2012 at 11:38 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
This picture below shows the TV cable adjuster.
Push on the D button (right hand thumb in this picture -- I use a big screwdriver because it has a pretty hefty spring). They changed the lock button in later years. I'm not sure when, but I know that the '89s have a large rectangular button but the function is the same.
Push the cable housing toward the rear of the car (away from the throttle body -- left hand thumb & finger in the pic). The FSM and other places tell you to push it back as far as it will go but I usually go back 4 or 5 clicks.
Rotate the throttle shaft as far as it will go (WOT). I make sure it hits the stop at the top of the throttle body. The cable and cable housing will pull out of the adjuster, making several clicks as it does so. Some people say to press down on the gas pedal because there may be carpet and other stuff in the system that will limit how far down the gas pedal can go. I don't know if that will give you the correct adjustment -- I follow the FSM on this.
Push on the D button (right hand thumb in this picture -- I use a big screwdriver because it has a pretty hefty spring). They changed the lock button in later years. I'm not sure when, but I know that the '89s have a large rectangular button but the function is the same.
Push the cable housing toward the rear of the car (away from the throttle body -- left hand thumb & finger in the pic). The FSM and other places tell you to push it back as far as it will go but I usually go back 4 or 5 clicks.
Rotate the throttle shaft as far as it will go (WOT). I make sure it hits the stop at the top of the throttle body. The cable and cable housing will pull out of the adjuster, making several clicks as it does so. Some people say to press down on the gas pedal because there may be carpet and other stuff in the system that will limit how far down the gas pedal can go. I don't know if that will give you the correct adjustment -- I follow the FSM on this.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski