matlock

When I adjust my throttle valve cable it didnt rachet out at all when I opened up the throttle all the way. The rubber stopped thing is all the way flush and it will only move out if I open up the throttle with the button pushed in, which I know is wrong. Anyways, the tranny does downshift a lot easier than it did before, which I like, but now the shifts are a lot clunkier and harder. It doesnt sound good especially when it drops down to 1st gear. Also it likes to shift back and forth a lot. When going at a constant speed sometimes I'll hit a spot (about 2500rpm) where it keeps going back and forth rapidly and I have to change the rpm. Now I thought I had too much fluid in my tranny when I checked the level so I got a tranny service at a good local shop. The guy told me fluid was a bit burnt and that my clutch might need replacing in about a year or so (he was saying some technical stuff, thats what I got from it). Before I adjusted my cable, the shifts were smoother and it actually seemed harder to get to 3rd gear. I'm thinking I might need to replace my TV cable. If I need to, how big of a task is that? Thanks guys.

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TomP

Matlock, you didn't mention the "won't ratchet out" in your e-mail... yes, sounds like you need to replace the TV. I haven't done it completely; all I've done is unhook both ends.

First you need to remove the TB end of the TV cable. To unhook it from the linkage, hold the throttle closed, and pull the green thing at the end of the TV cable "forward". It should unsnap from the linkage. Then remove the 2 bolts holding the TV cable to the plenum- you might have to remove the upper plenum to get at one sideways bolt.

Next, remove the trans end. Clean all dirt away from the cable housing; you don't want any falling into the transmission. The TV housing is held on with a single (10mm?) bolt. The trans end goes into a rubber grommet that seals the cable to the transmission- this means the end of the cable housing might be tight in there, it might need some wiggling. When it wiggles free, pull it up gently. You'll see at the end of the TV cable (inside the cable housing) there's an "eyelet" of the cable holding a silver linkage rod. Twist the TV cable's eyelet so the linkage rod slips out- and remember exactly which end of the linkage rod went into which side of the eyelet! Draw a picture if need be.

I don't know about how the cable snakes down from the top of the motor to the trans; I don't think anything's anchoring it down.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
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matlock

Wow thanks TomP. I think I can tackle that this weekend. Hopefully that is the problem. I did forget to mention that it wont rachet out in the email, but thanks for describing what could be wrong with the transmission. I'm gonna keep a close eye on it, because its pretty costly to rebuild. And I'm sure my clunking sound is not helping. I'll let you know how the little project goes. Thanks.

Black 86 'bird

I figured I'd put this here than start a new topic. I have my car in the garage with hood up. I'm getting po'd because of the damn tv cable. I think I know which one it is, the highest one and on the driver's side, right?? Now, I think I found the "boxed in U or D" right behind the bracket. Now what? What do I do with that? Help! I'm getting really mad!!!!

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My only mod: Flowmaster 40 series

[This message has been edited by Black 86 'bird (edited February 06, 2001).]

Horst

for black 86
Your "TV" cable or throttle valve cable is connected to the throttle body and to the trans.It is kinda like a "kick down" cable.
With out this cable your trans wouldn't downshift when you floor it.It tells your trans how long to hold the gear and it controls the pressue inside the trans.
On your throttle body you have a throttle cable,cruise cable and TV cable.The tv cable will pass between the top and bottom of your plenum.Look to find the bracket that holds the adjusting housing for the cable.On the TV cable you have a D shaped button(opposite side of bracket)you press in to slide the cable back.Then let go of the button and press you gas pedel down to the floor(engine not running of course)or you can move the throttle itself down as far as it can go.This will cause the cable housing to slide through the adjuster.It is now adjusted.
Horst

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www.marion-becker-nidda.de
91 Firebird 3.1
Modsynomax ultra flow stainless steel

Black 86 'bird

Well Horst, if I think I got the right cable in mind, I'll see what I can to tomorrow. It looked like there was no slack in it at all. I'll just have to see. Thanks.

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My only mod: Flowmaster 40 series