I'm learning something new today. How does it use a different ratio on the same gear?

I'm no tranny expert, but I think there is some kind of clutch that engages putting in a different sized gear.

It just locks up the TC. If you shift from OD to D, the TC unlocks, and the rpms rise. That'* the same as mashing the throttle from OD. It'll kick the TC out.

its not od acts as some what a 4th speed to lower RPM and save on gas so it'* title is a 3spd with O/D but i acts as a foruth gear you new what i ment

i was right in the first place

Well i just got the car back from the dealer, and the trans needs to be REPLACED/REBUILT. its not fixable. the clutch plates and bands are shot. this really sucks this was trans FOUR at 81,000 miles. one was replaced under warrenty at 30,000 MILES!!!! number 2 went at 71,000, number 3 went at 76,000, and now number 4 went at 81,000. all have been the 3.33FDR transmissions.... well this car must go. i'm not putting another DIME into it. and the really sucky thing is that i just put a full tank of premium fuel in it..

F^#&in' a... My rebuild has about 12K on it. It better need rebuilt again.

Wonder if it would make it to Florida ? Lesse get on I-75 bear left at Wildwood and yer here (with a really big tank 8*). 4 trans in 81k says something is definately wrong (or is that the same trans rebuilt three times - let me tell you about a VW camper I used to have. Rebuilt the engine. Did everything from new pots on out. Align bore got the center main off .002". Three times I cranked up at 30F and three times the engine froze 30 seconds later. Winch into the garage and out and apart. Last time the machinist (who was really sick of seeing it) miked the case and guess what...8*/

BTW the 440T4/4T60 is a transverse (sideways) transmission AKA transaxle. The 88 ratios are 2.92, 1.57, 1.00, and .70 for four forward gears with 4th less than 1:1 hence overdrive. GM recommends towing in 3rd because it is 1:1 which means the trans just locks the input shaft to the output instead of driving through gears = less stress/less heat. Then TCC locks the torque converter for even less stress (why in D you get lockup around 38-40 mph). I consider the trans a five speed since you drop anouther 500 rpm wihen the TCC locks.

The Car is officially up for sale! i need to get rid of it! any reasonable offers will be considered.

I'm sure the car would make it to florida. the trans only has problems when shifting into 3rd