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Auto trans shifts hard when cold

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Old Jan 6, 2010 | 10:43 PM
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Default Auto trans shifts hard when cold

I'm looking for a C4 with auto trans for my wife. I drove a 1985 today which shifted hard when it was cold. Once it warmed-up, it seemed fine. This vehicle has 67 K miles.
When cold, it would not shift at the correct RPM. The trans would stay in first for too long under light engine load then, it would shift hard into second.
The outside air temp today was about 15 degress F.
Does anyone know if this cold drivability issue indicates something wrong with the trans?
My 77 vette has a manual trans. I prefer a manual trans but this is for the wife.
Any feedback is appreciated. -Jeff
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 12:57 PM
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I spoke to a few trans shops today. It was explained to me that the seals may be hard due to age and may not be working properly until warm. They went on to mention this condition is a problem that would get worse.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 77vettejeff
I spoke to a few trans shops today. It was explained to me that the seals may be hard due to age and may not be working properly until warm. They went on to mention this condition is a problem that would get worse.
Or, it is a simple throttle valve cable adjustment that may solve everything.
If they performed this 10 second adjustment, and it did not work, they "may" be on the right track.
If they did not do the adjustment, and threw out the above info, they are pizzing on your leg, and telling you it's raining.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 02:26 PM
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Thanks for the response. I don't trust these shop ownwers in general.
Regarding the cable, I believe this would be the cable for the down shifts under heavy engine load. Right? If so, I tried to explain to the trans tech's that the problem I observed was under a light to moderate, steady engine load or steady throttle position. So they thought the cable was not the issue.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 77vettejeff
Thanks for the response. I don't trust these shop ownwers in general.
Regarding the cable, I believe this would be the cable for the down shifts under heavy engine load. Right? If so, I tried to explain to the trans tech's that the problem I observed was under a light to moderate, steady engine load or steady throttle position. So they thought the cable was not the issue.

Then they do not deserve your business. The cable is not a kick down cable. It is a cable that moves a throttle valve in direct relation to your throttle. Foot in it = higher line pressures. Foot out of it = lower line pressures.
Because nearly everything in your trans needs correct line pressure, bad stuff happens when it is wrong.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 01:44 PM
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good info, thanks. This dealer's mechanic looked at thre car and drove it cold. He says, of coarse, everything if fine. I'm trying to get them to throw in a warranty.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 77vettejeff
good info, thanks. This dealer's mechanic looked at thre car and drove it cold. He says, of coarse, everything if fine. I'm trying to get them to throw in a warranty.
What kind of warranty will they give to a 25 year old car? If they give you one, buy it quick.
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:34 PM
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they offered me a 3 month power train warranty. They said the deductable is $50. They also said they would charge me additional $200 to the cost of the car. I really cannot stand working with some used car salesmen. I asked for the original price we agreed on and a 6 month warranty. We are close to a deal. They really have not budged much on their price. Even after I found a big crack on the roof (10 in. long)and the shifting problems while cold. There are other problems like, the interior lights to not work and when I turn the dimmer all the way on, the lights come on but the hatch also OPENS!
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Old Jan 10, 2010 | 06:57 PM
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A trans overhaul runs between $1000 and $2000 depending on location. $200 could be a good investment if the warranty is a good one.
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Old Jan 23, 2010 | 11:05 AM
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While shopping for a C4, I had a chance to drive 4 of these with 700R4. They all seem to act similarly so, I'm not so sure there is a problem with this behavior. Maybe a characteristic of the 700R4?
I finally bought a 1990 for my wife. Thanks for all the help from forum members. I rebuilt my C3 with much help from this forum - excellent resource!
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