How do I know whether my transmission is shot or if it is my torque converter? I have an 88 lx. When I drive it it shifts great from 1st to 2nd. From 2nd to 3rd it shifts good also but when it goes from 3rd to4th(overdrive) the rpms go way up and if I don't let off the accelerator it won't go into 4th. Also if I am going about 40 to 45 and I "punch it" it doesn't shift down to another gear like normal it just rev's the engine rpm's up but doesn't down shift. The trans fluid is very clean so I'm thinking(hoping) that it can't be the transmission! Any Ideas guys? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Idk about the 3rd to 4th problem but i've heard alot of people not liking the AOD shift patterns for similar reasons. Has it always done that or did it just start? Also do you have any mods to the motor?

 

I've noticed a very slight hesitation from third to fourth gear last year. But now it's so bad that I really can't drive the car with the shifter in overdrive. If I drive the car with the shifter in"D" instead of overdrive it shifts fine. Until I punch it down then the RPM's get real high but it won't downshift. The only major mods I recently put in was a 65 mm throttle body and thats about it.Thanxs for the help so far!

 

PLEASE TELL ME THAT THE ODDS OF THIS PROBLEM BEING MY TORQUE CONVERTER ARE PRETTY GOOD. Because I will go out and buy one today on e-bay

 

bump!

 

Odds: 50\50

I would take it to a shopto test out, the cost should not be to high and will give you a good idea of where to go from there. It is odd that the only problem is overdrive and I maybe mistaken but I do not believe the band adjustmentsinclude OD.Hold off buying anything yet and wait till later when others get on and look over the post.

 

I think the auto is the problem ; )


just messin with ya. Take it to a shop and have them look at it, It won't cost anything, they want the buisiness. Get several opinions and explain your problems. Sounds like the tq conv. But strange it only does it in 3-4. let us know what ya come up with.

 

There was another thread just like this, only his problem was something more serious, and too far gone. The most common overdrive problem on an AOD tranny is overtorquing the bolts when you change the transmission filter. This happens because it bolts right throught the valve body and doesn't like to work if someone cranks the bolts down real tight. I am pretty sure that most filter kits even tell you that in the box. I would drop the pan and check it out if it was me. See how easily you can take the filter off.Then ideally replace it and the little rubber gasket, but if not, re-torque it to the right specs. (I can't remember off the top of my head) I think it's relatively low. I usually use a 3/8 torque wrench or something pretty accurate.

 

Hey guys thanxs for the replies! I think I figured out why when "punching" down the accelerator all my car would do is rev real high. I feel pretty stupid but I found out that my kick down cable fell off the throttle linkage. As soon as I hooked it up and took it for a ride it downshifted like it was supposed to. However it still feels like it's slipping from 3rd to overdrive but it does eventually go into OD. I'm going to change the tranny fluid on Friday. I went out and ordered 5 quarts of Royal Purple and a filter. I was thinking of getting an additive to maybe help the tranny from slipping like Lucas or some other brand. Any suggestions? Again thanxs for the advise!

 

I'd ask around about the lucas, i've heard nothing but bad about it. Mainly on the area of making seals swell up & get weak. I have no experience when mine starts to get bad I rebuild it.

Your problem with your 3-4th sounds like your od band is about dead. They're not very durable & heavy loads during them engaging cause them to die fast, like full throttle 1st - 4th when it shifts to 4th & the od band engages you don't want to put a heavy load on it. It's ok to put power through it after the shift takes place, but not during. If you're going to attempt to rebuild it I'd recommend you keep the parts organized & buy a decent shift kit for it while your in there to help lengthen the life of the transmission. Transgo offers some pretty good ones for around a hundred bucks.

This problem should have absolutely nothing to do with your torque converter.
You shouldn't put much force on the bolts if using a 3/8 wrench. I do all of mine by feel & every single internal transmission bolts I use a 1/4" rachet torque specs for the valve body don't have to be dead on, but it's easy to overtighten with a 3/8".