Shifting problems

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 17, 2005 | 02:08 PM

r89vette

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Minneapolis MN

Shifting problems

I have a stock 89 A4 with 110k miles that is having shifting problems beyond my troubleshooting abilities. At WOT the car hits about 4k rpm's and gets "stuck" for a second before it hits the next gear. During this time the dash lights flicker and the battery light comes on.

The other issue that I have are with the down shifts from overdrive. Somedays it down shifts perfectly and takes off and others there is a long delay. Sometimes it doesn't appear to do it at all. At 65 mph, if I put the pedal to the floor should it downshift into 3rd or 2nd? Maybe that's the difference that I am noticing.

Sorry for the long post, just want to see what I am up against over the winter months!

Thanks for the help

Oct 19, 2005 | 10:46 AM

r89vette

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Minneapolis MN

Nobody has any ideas????

Oct 19, 2005 | 11:09 AM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 17,298

Likes: 32

From: The Top of Utah

First, the dash lights/battery light flickering and coming on are not the problem that causes your shifting problems. You could pull and check your governor for a good driven gear and make sure it works freely, but it sounds like the trans is on it's last legs. If checking the governor doesn't help, let a trusted trans shop test drive it.

RACE ON!!!

Oct 19, 2005 | 12:26 PM

Deakins

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 993

Likes: 3

From: Iowa

If it has a TV cable adjust it. It sounds like the trans is not building line pressure properly and that is the first place to look. If it's electronically controlled then you will need to look further....

Oct 19, 2005 | 07:40 PM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 17,298

Likes: 32

From: The Top of Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deakins

You can make sure it is adjusted properly. As stated above, don't simply manipulate the cable searching for the desired shifts. You may create the need for a new transmission. No 1989 has an "electronically controlled" transmission.

RACE ON!!!

Oct 19, 2005 | 07:49 PM

sami85L98

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 8,077

Likes: 4

From: Scarborough ONTARIO

Listen to CFI-EFI what he says:

Check with local tranny guy and take his input without disturbing TV cable and never buy a long distance tranny.

Oct 20, 2005 | 12:45 PM

r89vette

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Minneapolis MN

Thanks for the help. I had a feeling it might be on its last legs. I will take a look at what you suggested, but it sounds like a professional is needed. Just wish I knew a good tranny guy.

Any ideas on the lights flickering? I have been watching the voltmeter on the dash for spikes or drops, but don't see anything. Holds at about 14.6 volts when the lights flicker.

Thanks again...