Hi,
I am not sure whether this is an engine or gearbox problem. I took my car out for a drive yesterday, it's an 82 Firebird with a three speed automatic transmission (TH200C). It felt a little sluggish but I didn't pass much heed as it was a cold day and I did let the car warm up before I took it out. It went through the gears fine. But when I went to go above 40 the engine revved, there was noise which sounded like a motor spinning and the car lost power. I pulled in a few times and started again but the result was the same. So I turned the car and headed for home. On the way home it was fine for a little while and I was doing 60 mph but it then went back to the same way and I limped home at 35mph. Would anyone have any idea what the problem would be. Any help or advise would be appreciated.

 

more detailed info

at 60 are the RPMs racing and the car not picking up speed

when the car was fully warm did it still seem sluggish

 

The car did seem sluggish when it was fully warm.

The car went to 60mph for a little while and everything was running fine. Then it droped to 40mph and I couldn't get it to go faster. At 40mph the RPM's are racing and the car not picking up speed.

Thanks.

 

Tranny Time!!

 

What does this mean? does the gearbox have to come out? what is the actual problem, what is the gearbox not doing. I don't have a clue about this and there is no one I can ask here in Ireland as Pontiac/Chevorlet were never imported here.

Can someone explain what you think the problem is.

Thanks.

 

the internals of the transmission are beginning to fail badly. The clutches are worn, band is worn, excessive clearance etc. Basically the only way to repair is replacement or rebuild.

 

I believe it's a stuck band. You probably have no second gear, am I right? Where the car should shift into second it feels sluggish.

 

s
Second gear is there. I think it must be third gear that is gone. Is it difficult to remove a transmission for a car. I might try it myself if no specialist tools are required.

Thanks.

 

Removing a tranny is easy, when you have the right equipment. Having the car on the lift is preferable, and having a small lift to let the tranny down from the car is also preferable. Rebuilding the tranny is gonna be hard. I've never done it, but I understand it could be quite a pain. Maybe someone else has some more experience with it. Oh, best to work on it inside, I did a shift kit on mine, and I had to clean parts multiple times so I didn't get dirt inside my tranny, even the finest tiniest grains get in there. It's horrible.