4+3 trans problem
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
4+3 trans problem
overdrive not operating properly, took it to a transmission shop, and they said they could get a rebuild kit. Replaced clutch plate, throw out bearing, and installed kit. Operated fairly well before putting it away for winter. Spring came, only had put about 100 miles on car. Trans fluid had big leak. Took it back, they said some of the switches in the unit were bad, and they could not find replacements, so they disconnected all the switches and said it would operate just like a normal 4 speed (no overdrive). It seems ok, but is that actually an ok fix?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 383
Likes: 123
From: St. Petersburg, FL
overdrive not operating properly, took it to a transmission shop, and they said they could get a rebuild kit. Replaced clutch plate, throw out bearing, and installed kit. Operated fairly well before putting it away for winter. Spring came, only had put about 100 miles on car. Trans fluid had big leak. Took it back, they said some of the switches in the unit were bad, and they could not find replacements, so they disconnected all the switches and said it would operate just like a normal 4 speed (no overdrive). It seems ok, but is that actually an ok fix?
If they plugged the leaks and topped off the fluid in the OD unit, then it should be okay to drive. It would suck if the OD unit was stuck in overdrive though, but I’m pretty sure without input from the OD switch it will stay out of overdrive.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 537
Likes: 379
From: Northern California
You have to be very careful with the polarity of the transmission switches if this is an 84/85 4+3 with the set of three. One of the switches closes in gear while the other does not. If their testing of the switches did not take this into account, then perhaps they thought the switches were duds.
I suppose disabling the overdrive "fixes" the issue of a malfunctioning unit, in the same way that turning off a light switch will make a poorly painted room look great. If their rebuild was correct and the unit is just experiencing some electrical troubles, I guarantee you there is enough experience on this forum to get that 4+3 working properly again.
I suppose disabling the overdrive "fixes" the issue of a malfunctioning unit, in the same way that turning off a light switch will make a poorly painted room look great. If their rebuild was correct and the unit is just experiencing some electrical troubles, I guarantee you there is enough experience on this forum to get that 4+3 working properly again.
