I have a 82 Trans Am with a automatic transmission. The transmission is very slow to downshift to second and first gear. Sometimes for it to downshift to first gear you almost have to come to a stop. I would greatly appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks Todd

 

Is your TV cable properly adjusted? What's the condition and level of your fluid?

 

I replaced the TV cable a few years ago and the cable they sold me was just long enough to fit it seemed very tight even after adjustment. I recently noticed the cable was in a bind I dont know why but I fixed that problem and it seems to help some. Im thinking I just need to get another TV cable because the fluids fine.

Thanks Todd

 

Sounds like a sticky governor.

The trans uses the balance between 2 pieces of info to decide when to shift: vehicle speed as measured by the governor, and engine & driver activity as measured by the TV cable. If one of them is wrong in some way, you can "adjust" on the other every day from now til Doomsday and twice on Sundays just for the halibut, and STILL never ever get it right.

 

I dont know alot about transmissions how do you fix a sticky governor?

Thanks Todd

 

Take it out and see if it's sticking, first.

If so, it's probably dirty. If so, clean it up.

 

TW, do you have an overdrive transmission(700R4)? i thought most of the '82 and '83 models came with 3 speed auto's like the 200C?

 

My 83 had a 700.

Sofa- would that be something that could be helped/prevented by adding some seafoam transmission cleaner additive if he's due for a flush? I honestly don't know if the governor is lubed with atf or not.

 

Yes it is definitely exposed to trans fluid.

Not sure I'd dump Seafoam (diesel fuel mixed with water?) in an auto trans. I believe I'd just pop the suspect parts out and clean them by hand. Maybe a little lacquer thinner.

 

Ok...good to know.

Btw, this is the stuff I'm talking about- not the regular stuff. I've always had good luck with it.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/trans-tune.html

 

might be the tv valve inside the tranny sticking. I had to buy and install the junior shift kit in my old 86 700r4 for that problem. the kit adds a spring to help return the valve to the idle postion.