Classic/Antique Car Repair/tranny shifting

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Expert: - 12/5/2007


Question
QUESTION: 89 pontiac grand am with 3 speed auto. tranny will not automatically shift into third gear unless i completely let off the throttle and get back on it. what is most likely causing this? thanks for your help!


ANSWER: Please send me the first ten digits of the VIN.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the first ten digits of the vin is 162NE14U7K. thank you.

Answer
This car, the 2.5 liter engine, uses a throttle cable to provide the transmission with driver accelerator input. The cable may be stuck,
need adjustment, or the lever may be stuck and need to be freed up. To adjust the cable:
1. Disconnect the neg battery cable.
2. Depress and hold the adjustment tap at the throttle cable adjuster.
3. Press the gas pedal to the floor.
4. The slider must move towards the lever when the gas pedal is fully depressed.
5. Check the cable for movement, if it does not move freely, replace it.
6. Try a road test. If this does not do it, a transmission shop is recommended.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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