1996 LT1 auto trans question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 316
Likes: 63
From: Peoria IL
1996 LT1 auto trans question
Saturday I was going up an Interstate on ramp, not real steep but going up a grade. I was on it pretty good, not WOT but on it, which I don't do a lot. Nearing top of the ramp in 3rd gear going 65-70-ish, all of a sudden the engine revved up into the hash mark area on the tach, so it dropped a gear. I honestly wasn't paying exact attention to everything but I don't think I stabbed the gas pedal any harder at that moment. Regardless it caught my attention. It upshifted like nothing happened and all was well the rest of the weekend, which included a couple more romps, but not the exact same situation. I recently changed my trans fluid and filter. I checked the fluid, it was nearly topped off. It smelled like what was in the bottle, not burnt. I did add a few more ounces to get it right near the 'full' mark. Transmission seems to be operating perfectly normal at this point.
What would cause this and what do I need to do about, it if anything? Obviously I am hoping I didn't hurt the trans (or the engine for that matter - I assume the hash marks are not true redline, so I didn't exceed redline hopefully). Thanks for any input.
What would cause this and what do I need to do about, it if anything? Obviously I am hoping I didn't hurt the trans (or the engine for that matter - I assume the hash marks are not true redline, so I didn't exceed redline hopefully). Thanks for any input.
Last edited by turtle96; Apr 8, 2019 at 02:41 PM. Reason: spelling
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
Could be a couple of things.. Like a failing 3/4 clutch. Which is common.
But, under the right conditions, the 4L60 will do a 4-2 kick down if you crack it. It isn't always 4th to 3rd, and the tach jumps quite a bit.
Sound like what you experienced?
But, under the right conditions, the 4L60 will do a 4-2 kick down if you crack it. It isn't always 4th to 3rd, and the tach jumps quite a bit.
Sound like what you experienced?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 316
Likes: 63
From: Peoria IL
Can you describe more symptoms of the 3/4 clutch pack going out? I'll see if it continues to exhibit anything like that. Thanks and appreciate it!
Last edited by turtle96; Apr 8, 2019 at 04:30 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
A 3/4 clutch failure usually happens fairly quickly and the symptoms are:
Early: A slip/flare in 3 or 4 when you apply throttle..
Later on: Everything is fine. Car goes forward fine. Shifts 1/2 fine. Hits third and flares uncontrollably.
But it sounds like it may just be a 4/2 kickdown which, at the right speed and with a judicious kick on the throttle pedal, it will do.
Early: A slip/flare in 3 or 4 when you apply throttle..
Later on: Everything is fine. Car goes forward fine. Shifts 1/2 fine. Hits third and flares uncontrollably.
But it sounds like it may just be a 4/2 kickdown which, at the right speed and with a judicious kick on the throttle pedal, it will do.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 5
From: Baytown, tx
Similar issues
Mine drops from 4th to 2nd if I go wot at 70-75 mph, if I go WOT in first it redlines and won't catch 2nd until I peddle it...fluids are fine, drivability under 75% throttle is spot on...I don't want to hurt the trans, but I want to get some baseline 1/4 mile numbers...cant until this is sorted
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Frisco,Tx
So I have a 1996 LT1 CE 93k miles and periodically noticed in the morning when easily passing 47MPH I have experienced a 'SLIP' or slight RPM reb.... So are they trans known to have the 3/4 to go out ??
