I have a 1988 2.8L V6 Camaro with an automatic transmission that is giving me trouble. It shifts into second gear fine, but when it reaches the point where it should be shifting into 3rd, it's like it goes into Neutral instead and the RPMs kick up and I'm having to run in 2nd gear to get around.

I didn't have this problem until a couple days ago when I was out driving and I bumped it back from Overdrive to Drive while I was going down the road. I didn't think this would cause any problems because I've done the same thing in my Bronco II while driving around and nothing happened. But as soon as I did this in the Camaro it started giving me this trouble that it won't shift.

Anyone know what's going on and what I will have to do to get it fixed? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Have you checked the TV cable? That's your first step in diagnosing any 700R4 problem. Make sure it is adjusted properly and that it has adjustment left. If no adjustment is left replace the cable as it is stretched. Always use the automatic adjustment procedure outlined in any good reference book (Haynes manal, etc).

If that doesn't work the next step would be servicing the trans with a new fluid and filter. When was the last time the fluid was changed? Check the fluid. Is it red? Does it smell burnt? If it's brown and smells burnt it's usually a sign of a trans that's on its way out.

If neither option proved fruitful you may have a 700R4 that's on its way out. The symptom you describe is typical of clutch pack failure. Eventually the trans just won't shift out of low any more. The only solution is to have the trans rebuilt. How many miles are on the car?

 

The car has just under 87,000 miles on it.

 

Then the trans shouldn't need to be rebuilt based soley on milage. Typically '87-up 700R4s will go well past 100,000 miles before needing a rebuild, and that's behind a V8. That also doesn't rule out a damaged trans. Lack of service and driver error can still damage the trans to the point where it would need to be rebuilt. Try the first two things first. Let me know how it goes.

 

A good source for info on how to properly set your TV is at www.bowtieoverdrives.com.

I found them today while trying to research some tranny troubles. Good luck.

 

I'm having the exact same problem. Mine started right after I put Lucas Tranny fix in to stop a slipping band... but I tore it open and replaced all of the clutches and feel good about the TV cable.

Stuck accumulator or piston?

Help
Chris

Typical Noob... didn't check the date.. year old threads always fun.

 

Anyone? Fresh clutches... How can I figure out if this is a clutch problem (I'm a little concerned that I did not shim them properly) or if it's in the valve body and I'm not getting pressure to the clutches.

I'm now down to one weekend and two weeks to get this straightened out and inspected before things get ugly... please help

Thanks
Chris

 

So, to clarify, because this is an old thread; your trans won't shift into any gear higher than second? Is this only at WOT, or all the time?

I would suspect the 3/4 clutch pack if it's a WOT shift problem. Typically the clutch packs fail in a 700R4 in descending order (3/4, 3/2, 1/2). Eventually you will be left with a trans that won't shift out of first gear under WOT. Then it just won't shift out of first gear. The 700R4 is quite suprising. I'd always assumed that an automatic would just not work at all if something was broken. The one in my Blazer had 1st and reverse when the snout was sheared off the internal reaction planterary set, and the sprag was blown to smitherines.

 

Sorry for the confusion. Mine does shift... it just does not enguage in 3rd gear, it's like theres no pressure. All new clutchs and bands.

I'm searching for information reguarding what COULD be wrong and also what exactly is happening inside during the 2-3 shift and the 3rd gear enguagement. ie check ***** how does the pressure get from the pump etc.

Thanks
Chris

 

So it effectively acts as though it has no third gear? In other words the trans will shift 1-2, and then nothing, it acts like it's in neutral?

 

Kinda, it shifts 1-2 pulls fine etc etc. Then 2-3 but when it hits 3rd it's like it's in neutral. However before it came apart I could shift from neutral to 4th and it would enguage and pull.... weird isn't? I didn't want to tear up the new clutches so I haven't gotten to check to see if 4th gear is still there post- rebuild.

Chris

 

Well, that's a strange one. If the clearance in the clutch packs is way too much it could cause a symptom like this. It could also be valvebody related. You aren't going to fix the problem from the outside, that's for sure. I would start by dropping the pan, valvebody, and seperator plate and checking all the valve for free operation and no broken springs. Then reassemble making sure all the check ***** are in the right place and see what it acts like.

 

ATSG manual is on the way... I guess I'll toss the Haynes manual and see if using the better manual helps.

thanks for the responces I'll post up if I find anything.

Chris