How will a bad modulator cause heavy smoking from the tailpipe?? (serious question, I don't know enough about them to know how it would happen.)

I think the TV cable actually affects all shift points. What I mean is, even at light throttle you can have it set to shift into 2nd at 25-30 MPH. By adjusting the TV cable on my 88 LeSabre I was able to get differences of anywhere from 15-30MPH for 2nd gear engagement with the same ammount of lite throttle. If it'* set all the way in one of the extremes I can definately see how the transmission would be unable to shift, atleast until it reaches redline. check the TV cable adjustment.

My guess about the exhaust smoke question: The diaphram in the modulator fails, allowing tranny fluid to be sucked through the vacuum tubing into the intake.

However, that'* not necessarily to say that EVERY modulator failure will allow the fluid leak and the resulting smoke. One boy'* experience won't necessarily be every man'* experience.

And I agree on the TV cable thing. I'm pretty sure that it affects things over the entire RPM range. If it IS the TV cable though, it almost sounds like it'* stuck in the WOT position, delaying the shifts until 5k RPM.

JMFC is correct, if the diaphram fails in the modulator, it will allow ATF to be sucked in through the vacuum line. And when I say ATF, i mean quarts and quarts of ATF. This is true for ALL vacuum components. Like the fuel pressure regulator [FPR], it can fail and have fuel go in through the vacuum line. The modulator usually fails not from the diaphram but the spring inside becomes weak, and pretty much worthless for proper operation. The adjustable unit allows you to adjust the spring pressure in the modulator [firm or soft]. That is what you want. And just because it'* softer does NOT mean it will allow smoother shifts. There is a line crossed from smooth to crappy.

When a TV Cable is adjusted properly, the throttle between the TV cable being where it is, to moving, the transmission'* shifts are NOT affected. The TV cable obviously won't make any difference if the line isn't moving, now would it? That'* not to say if the cable is not adjusted properly, it could then change things. But with a completely disconnected TV cable my car shifts just fine under light throttle. However with more than part throttle [where the TV cable would come in for helping the transmission pick shift points] the transmission will NEVER shift. You can go to 9,000RPM, and it still will NOT have shifted. I have tried this, and this is tested. Well, not to 9,00RPM, nor anywhere near there. The transmission has no clue what redline is without the TV cable. Nor when to shift except under light throttle. The transmission will engage into gear no problems without it. The TV cable is not an gear-engagement issue.

i check them. they are ok... where is the T.V cable...

now first gear shift at 4,500 rpm or 5,000
second shift at 3,800 rpm
then it stay in third at 60-90
still not right........

:(

it goes in R with no problem...

The TV cable runs from the throttle body to the transmission somewhere... I haven't personally messed with mine, so I don't know specifics...

It sounds like a check ball or some crap is lodged in there. You can try flushing the transmission, but it may be the demise of your transmission. Because revving the car to 5k will surely kill the transmission in a short time anyways.

Shifts should happen at 5,000RPM under a properly adjusted TV cable. A little playing can have it shift wherever you want.. but with just the 'default adjustment' it'* 5k. First should shift at 48MPH with the 2.97 final drive. Second tops out around 75MPH [again on the 2.97]. Third tops out higher than you should be going. Same for OD.

What condition is the fluid in? Smell?


-justin