i adjusted the tv cable a few days ago. now i am noticing much harder shifts at much higher rpm(3-3.5k at a minimum!). this was cool for like 3 minutes, then i realized that this probably isnt how gm intended this thing to shift and im sure it not good for reliability. to better describe how its acting, when i barely give it enough gas to get moving, it will still shift at 3-3.5k rpm at a minimum, then kick unnaturally hard into the next gear. it seems as if something is slipping, im not sure. its similar to winding out a manual transmission. I know for a fact that its not acting right, as when i accelerate to say 50mph then let off the gas a little bit, it wont kick into a lower gear unless im reaching like 3-4k rpm. hmmm. the transmission seemed to shift fine before, nice and low when i wanted it to, and nice and high whenever i wanted it to. "why did you F*%K with it then!" ...you may say. well, im currently doing the tomP tuneup and its recommended, so oh well. i adjusted it according to this site and i double checked on my chilton manual as well. let me know what i can do to bring my bird back to normal as this is killing my mileage not to mention my drivetrain life as well... thanks guys. pce out.

 

While I'm happy to hear people still look at my tuneup post, I'm real sorry to hear about the TV problem! This happens rarely- but it's the sign of a transmission that's on it's way out.

Only way to fix this is to try and put it back where it was. Push the tab in, and pull the TV cable end slowly out of the adjuster a click or two, then try another test drive. If it still feels wrong, pull over, adjust it again manually, and try another test drive.

You could also try checking for dirt spots on the TV slider. Push the tab in, then pull the TV cable end out of the adjuster "a lot". Then look for any kind of dirt mark or scratch mark that may show where it used to be. If you find one, push the tab in, and move the TV cable end back where it looks like it was.

Usually I will mark the TV cable where it met the adjuster with white out- or by making a scratch mark with a razor blade. That way, if the car acts really badly at the new setting, I can put it back the way it was.

And, unfortunately, the last step of this procedure is to start saving $$ for a rebuilt transmission. I know how that feels, I've been there, done that- twice.

 

Hey Tom, nice to see you still posting up. Was going to PM you, but now that I came across a post, why not join some of us over at the Raceway Park one night. Trying to set up a night where Dave, Dimented, you, myself, and a few others can meet up, talk some, and race a little bit (all in fun). Us Jersey guys need to stick together, ya know....

 

hey guys, well actually i read up on it a bit more. i tried something i saw worked for someone. got in my car with it off and pegged the accelerator and wouldnt ya know, i heard a click in the engine bay and the TV cable popped where it was supposed to be. i guess pulling the cable from the bay wasnt enough to get the cable set. i cant remember which thread it was on here, but thank you.

 

exie, glad to hear everything's OK!! Sometimes the cable doesn't pull all the way out of the adjuster- and the accelerator pedal gives you more leverage. Sounds like your transmission isn't on it's way out!

StreetLethal, that sounds like fun! Although I'd just have to watch the race; I haven't started the poor '86 since Februrary. (sigh) Maybe this weekend I'll charge the battery up and let it run for a few minutes...