My Son's '82 Trans Am, 305, THM 200, sat for 2 months. When we started it up, we found it will go forward, but when put in reverse, it just sits there, almost like it locks up. Ever
since we owned the car (about 2 years) it has always shifted hard.
After a search I found there is a factory TSB on this, but I haven't seen it yet.
Does anyone know what would cause this?
What to check?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jogasz28

 

You hace the th200c which is a pos.
I know becaause I have the same one and the same problem you are experiencing except worse.Im in the process of installing a turbo th350 and I suggest you do the same

 

82knightrider makes a good point on the 200c.It was good when used behind a six but not up to it behind a V8.What does the fluid look/smell like?One thing you might try as a temporary fix to get her to move is with the ignition off,put the trans in reverse and push her back a few feet.Then start her and try reverse - this works at times(I know this may sound like a silly idea but it's worth a try and does work sometimes).But you best bet,in the long term,would be to look into either going to a TH350 or a 700R4.There are swap kits avalible to do either.

 

When we checked the fluid, it had a strong "lubricant" smell to it. Not really like tranny fluid usually smells (I've never smelled burnt fluid).
As my Son's financial resources are limited, can this tranny be rebuilt cheaply? Can we do it?
What would be the least expensive way to resolve this problem?
As always, thanks for all the replies.
Jogas

 

That sounds like the trans fluid is burnt.Just curious what color is it?You could drop the pan and see what's in the bottom.I would bet you'd find a mix of a lot of clutch pack material and metal shavings.
You could do a rebuild/have it rebuilt.If you do it yourself you need a clean work area where you can lay everything out.You'll need a complete rebuild kit and it's a must to replace the torque converter also.Most on here will tell you,and I agree,the 200 is really not worth the time.If you shop around you could find a TH350 or a 700R4,I prefer this because it has overdrive,realatively inexpensive.
At this point do a search through the board as to exactly what'll you need to do the swap.The '82s are a little different since they didn't come with a 700 to start with.Do you have good salvage yards near you?As a side not a friend of mine bought a trans for his Grand Cherokee from Phoenix Transmissions off Ebay.He got a good price on a dyno tested rebuilt trans that came with a torque convertor and a years warranty.

 

The fluid is dark and thick.
We will drop the pan today if the rain stops in NE ohio.
Jogas

 

With the fluid looking like that and the problem with reverse(did my idea help get her to move in reverse?)I wouldn't really take the time to remove the pan.You have to look at what a complete revuild kit + a convertor(labor is what gets you at a trans shop)or go the swap route to a 700R4 or TH350.If you look in the parts for sale section you'll probably find a trans to swap in.

 

Thanks for the reply.
My son just got home so we're going out to try and push it backwards while in reverse. I am afraid it won't budge but we'll see.
I PM'd several people about th700r's for sale in the parts forum. We'll see what happens.
Many thanks,
Jogas

 

We pushed it backwards several times with engine off and in reverse. No change. When I started the engine, and put it in reverse, it's like it's in park, but has a load on the engine.
Looks like we need a new tranny?
Jogas

 

We looked underneath at the tranny and found nothing out of the ordinary.
While under there we wrote down the tranny numbers:

Turbo Hydramatic
C 7
82 C 7 54604

Embossed in the pan is the word "METRIC"
This is a TH200C right?

Jogas

 

yup,looks like you got the th200c.Try getting some lucas transmission stop slip.It might work getting your car to reverse but dont take any trips in it until you fix your problem the right way by either rebuilding it or replacing it with short tail th350 or a 700r4.

th350 is cheaper to install but youll have no OD

If a mod would please move this to transmissions drivetrain more ppl can chime in and help out jogas a lot more

Heres what Bruce did to his 82.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=320127

 

I see the same comments every time anyone mentions the 200c...."Weak box", "no good" , "change it for something better" (350c 700r4).
Well i've had my origional 200c tranny on my 82 trans Am and it's now done just over 226,000 miles ( the clutches and seals were replaced at around 165,000 because the low/reverse seal went hard and small parts broke off.the result no reverse or manual 1 gear).That was all.All other functions were great as usual.
If the tranny is'nt abused .i.e constantly flooring it and the fluid does'nt overheat and is changed AND checked regularly there is'nt a problem.
I think mine has proved this already.
The shift change cable should be checked for proper adjustment too.It will damage a 200c if out of adjustment ( harder shifts).

All trannys have an achilles heel and if abused or not looked after will let you know about it.
The 200c is a lightweight tranny and there is'nt so much weight and to lug around as in the turbo 400/350.
I was reading a site about a guy in the US who was testing the feasibility of using a 200c for drag racing.( without the lock up converter and a few mods)
If i find the link i'll post it.
By all accounts it will shock a few who go for the bigger tranny's.
Treat your car with respect and it will reward you with long mileage/reliability...........Kevin (UK)

 

Umm.... no.

Not to be mean, but....
It has DEMONSTRATED, which is far different from "proved", that YOU'RE LUCKY.

That is all it has done.

Meanwhile, all of the other MILLIONS of people with that crappy thing that have had it fail on them, have actually PROVED that it's an unreliable design.

People have been doing that - LOTS of people - since that POS came out, 20-odd years ago. Your "one guy" isn't the first, and won't be the last, until the last 200C is smoked beyond repair. Believe that. And for that matter, since those things are notorious for burning up, the day that the last one has met its maker, is approaching fast.

If your fluid is "dark and thick", that sounds like it's burnt up and is full of clutch material. Trans fluid should be bright red, clear, and thin. If it doesn't look and smell like it does when you open up a new bottle of it, then the trans has burned it up; which is an indication of a worn-out transmission.

Since 350s are as common as dirt (I've given away quite a few of them that have come my way that I've had no use for), and dirt cheap besides, that's what I'd suggest you get. DO NOT make the mistake of putting money into the 200C, because it WILL continue to be unreliable and cost you more money. Spend the $50 or whatever on a 350 core, the rebuild will be cheaper, and the results will be superior.

A 350 isn't materially heavier than a 200C, but is a VASTLY more durable transmission.

 

Thanks for the enlightening .slightly biased comments.Half of what i was expecting.
Sorry but i don't agree.............there i've said it.
Abusing these is what kills them and the major failings for the 200c was'nt the tranny but the torque converter clutch in the early 1979 designs that caused most failures.
I know or would guess most who own a Trans-am or other of that ilk has a HEAVY RIGHT foot.I've seen and heard enough to verify that.
What you do with your car is up to you.........
I treat my ride with respect and it has served me well............i have PROVED that.....................

 

Send us any comments and questions
Copyright © 1998-2006 DRW Transmission Specialties, Inc. All rights reserved.