Expert: Roland Finston - 6/22/2011

Question
You have helped me with my Electronic display recently. Last night my tranny dropped from 3rd to 2nd at 55MPH  Since then it will shift 1st o second but not third gear. While in second, If i shift to neutral and then back to 3rd it works most of the time.
Fluid is clean, no burn smell. Sitting at shop. Where can I look?
does this 3 speed tranny have a modulator??
Help!

Ed

Answer
Hi Ed,
The only adjustments that might be tried is the "throttle pressure cable (rod) adjustment" and the kickdown band adjustement. The procedure is spelled out in an '89 manual that I have which I can copy two or three pages for free and postal mail to you. Those are the only possibilities that jump out at me as the first is said to position a valve which controls shift speed, shift quality and part throttle downshift sensitivity. If the rod is too long early shifts and slippage betwee shifts may occur. If the setting is too short, shifts may be delayed and part throttle downshifts may be very sensitive. Other than doing pressure testing which is a long process I see 'kickdown band adjustment' as another thing to try.
There are 28 pages that show all the tests/adjustments/internal pressure diagrams which are preparatory to removing and taking the trans apart. I can copy those for 10 cents a side and about 84 cents for postage which you can send back to me in the form of 44-cent stamps after you get them. I need to know a postal mailing address in either case so send a 'private' follow-up if you want either a couple of pages or all 28.
Roland