First, I would like to thank everyone who uses this forum. I've used this site before so I decided to create an account. You are all very helpful!


Background:
1990 Camaro RS
3.1 V6
Automatic Trans
70,000 original miles
All stock except exhaust

Problem:
My car shifted very smoothly until this week. It usually shifts at about 3000 rpm between gears. For some reason, it now shifts at about 5000, even 6000 rpm. It is still drivable but it just doesn't feel right. It is also idling higher.

Also, my car has one of those early security-chips in the ignition key and sometimes my car prevents me from starting it. I don't know if this has anything to do with the trans but I might as well mention it.

 

Sounds like your torque converter is bad. Your engine RPM is most likely significantly higher then what your transmission is getting. The car is now shifting higher because your losing RPM in the converter. Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the tip! I was getting ready to buy a new one and then I found the problem while cleaning my car.

It was the linkage that connects to the throttle body. The plastic pivot had broken (I can see why after 21 years of constant motion.) So I guess that connects to the trans in some way? I don't know too much about fixing cars...

Thanks again for the help!

 

Get the part from the dealer, its only a few more $, but the aftermarket ones are terrible and never quite right. Its one of those things that really is best from the dealer and is worth the money. Its called a TV cable (T.V being Throttle Valve Cable).

This is how it works, and why its so important to get the right TV cable for your application.

http://www.tvmadeez.com/article/index.php