Hi ~

I hope someone here can give me some idea what may be wrong with my '93 SE. I have searched the forum and haven't found OD problems exactly like this one.

When the engine hasn't warmed up, the transmission shifts through all the gears normally. It goes into OD at around 45MPH, and the tach drops to around 1600RPM. At around 51MPH, the tach drops again, I suppose its TCC kicking in? When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the trans drops out of OD and into 3rd. It will not go back into OD under any circumstance afterwards. And if I coast going downhill say at 60 MPH or higher, the tach will actually fall to 1200, and then "bounce" up to 2100, repeatedly until I reach 45 MPH or lower. In the wintertime, the car will actually operate normally much longer because of the lower ambiant temps. I will say here (based on the OEM gauge) that this is the coolest running car I have ever driven. The fluid level is fine, and it smells normal.

So, what do you folks suppose has happened, or what may be wrong? I am hoping it'* an external problem, rather than internal.

Thanks,
John

The lowering of rpm'* once you are in 4th gear is called torque converter clutch lockup. It is controlled by the TCC soleniod.

There are many things that will keep the car from shifting into 4th. The most common is high mileage and old age. The clutches and things are probably worn and in need of a rebuild.

Yup. First bump you feel is 4th gear, second drop is the TCC lockup like the other Bill stated.

What does your trans fluid look like? Pink? Gray? Black?

Said the fluid seems find and good.

He said the level is fine and the smell is normal. He didn't describe the color. If it'* clutches, he'll see some friction material in the fluid causing it to be pinkish gray instead of pink.

I'd like a description of the color.

Yes, the fluid seems clear and has a red or pink color...no "burned" smell. I would expect the car with these many miles to have the trans to wear out, but I would also expect it to act up under all temperatures when these parts wear out. Or, I could be wrong!

Thanks,

When things are cold, they are tighter, the heat allows the excess clearance that is starting to show you the issue at hand.

Ok, that makes sense when things get warmer, that it would effect the operation of the trans. How much could I expect to have mine rebuilt? It also has 2 broken trans mounts, and the mechanic quoted around $1600 to rebuild this trans and replace both mounts. Does this sound reasonable?

Thanks!

Sounds like it'* in the range. Depending on which mounts are bad, some of the mounts are expensive.

That sounds great assuming the mechanic has a good reputation and knowledge of our trannies.