Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 45
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From: Milano, Italy
Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster?
I noticed that my 91 vette took too much time shifting from 2nd to 3rd (automatic transmission) in these last days.
Something like slipping that does not occoure driving slowly.
I checked my auto transmission fluid and it was red, not smelling burnt..but was at the minimum level.
I immediately stopped the car and on monday I will bring it to the dealer to have a look at her...
Do you think I might have broken something or will be enough to add the fluid?
I also noticed that my kickdown does not engage anymore..
The car has 56k and the transmission has already been rebuilt.
Thanks
Something like slipping that does not occoure driving slowly.
I checked my auto transmission fluid and it was red, not smelling burnt..but was at the minimum level.
I immediately stopped the car and on monday I will bring it to the dealer to have a look at her...
Do you think I might have broken something or will be enough to add the fluid?
I also noticed that my kickdown does not engage anymore..
The car has 56k and the transmission has already been rebuilt.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (CorvetteItaly)
If you were less than a qt low I would not panic. Sounds like you may simply have a broken or out of adjustment t.v. cable . This is the cable that goes from throttlebody linkage to (trans by the pan).Some people still refer to this as the kickdown cable.The adjustment of the t.v cable is critical as it regulates the line pressure in the transmission. Check your service manual and adjust it. It is a 10 second procedure. If you need to know how to adjust it just ask.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (whfla)
If you mean the t.v cable, it redirects fluid at different pressures inside the transmission. Too much or too little can destroy the trans.The cable pulls a valve ,by the way.To adjust the cable open hood and locate it on the throttle body/ plenum.It is th cable that goes to rear of engine and drops down out of sight. You will see a brass looking button shaped like a half moon. Push this button in and hold in. While holding it in pull the cable sheith rearward as far as it will go.(3/4 inch or so, you will feel it stop. Release the botton. Open throttle wide open by hand at throttle body. You will hear it clicking like a ratchet. This is the cable adjusting. BE SURE TO DO THIS PROCEDURE WITH ENGINE OFF! That is all that there is to it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Milano, Italy
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (CorvetteItaly)
Thanks..
I adjusted the tv cable and the car seems to be running fine..kickdown also engages as usual..
unfortunately i think i will have to replace my master cylinder..
today the brake pedal wento to the floor
no accident luckly..
I adjusted the tv cable and the car seems to be running fine..kickdown also engages as usual..
unfortunately i think i will have to replace my master cylinder..
today the brake pedal wento to the floor
no accident luckly..
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (CorvetteItaly)
Check master prices before buying. In my area a rebuilt for an 87 is $225. A brand new exact replacement complete with switch and resevoirs is $105 with the tax included. Go figure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (Pete K)
How do you know its the Master cylinder? do you see were it is leaking?
I replaced mine at the beginning of the year, Mine was leaking from the Master cylinder on to the brake booster, then dripping down on the frame and then would leak down the frame to about the middle section of the car and drip down on the floor. I could see it dripping down on the floor when I had someone pumping the brake but only later did I see exactly were it was leaking... master cylinder.
It was leaking at the back of the Master cylinder were it meats the brake booster and it was dripping down the brake booster.
If your master cylinder need to be replaced, this is were it will be leaking.
Its not hard to change at all, but you will have to bleed the Master cylinder before you put it on the car and then bleed all 4 brakes, starting with the one farthest from the Master cylinder working your way closer.
Hope this helps
I replaced mine at the beginning of the year, Mine was leaking from the Master cylinder on to the brake booster, then dripping down on the frame and then would leak down the frame to about the middle section of the car and drip down on the floor. I could see it dripping down on the floor when I had someone pumping the brake but only later did I see exactly were it was leaking... master cylinder.
It was leaking at the back of the Master cylinder were it meats the brake booster and it was dripping down the brake booster.
If your master cylinder need to be replaced, this is were it will be leaking.
Its not hard to change at all, but you will have to bleed the Master cylinder before you put it on the car and then bleed all 4 brakes, starting with the one farthest from the Master cylinder working your way closer.
Hope this helps
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Milano, Italy
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (TheStef)
I am supposing it might be the master cylinder.
I can still pump air so it cannot be the brake booster...
What else could it be Stef?
I can still pump air so it cannot be the brake booster...
What else could it be Stef?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: Transmission fluid low: Did i do a disaster? (CorvetteItaly)
I would say, master cylinder or at one of the brake line hoses at the calipers.
This is usualy were it leaks on cars in general, it could be the metal brake line somewere if it is rusted enough of it somehow broke.
Only way to really find out if by having someone pump the gas pedal and seing were it leak, this also includes removing the wheel if you can see anything leaking under the car or at the Master cylinder.
Good luck
This is usualy were it leaks on cars in general, it could be the metal brake line somewere if it is rusted enough of it somehow broke.
Only way to really find out if by having someone pump the gas pedal and seing were it leak, this also includes removing the wheel if you can see anything leaking under the car or at the Master cylinder.
Good luck
