1992 cutlass tranny problems
 

I have a 92 cutlass ciera 3.3l with 4 sp automatic with 90K. When the car is cold it does not go into reverse. Once it heats up, it will go in with a few second delay. When cold it goes into forward immediately, even when very cold, so I assume the tranny oil pressure comes up right away. If accelerating quickly, it also clunks into 2nd gear which may be an unrelated problem. The tranny oil looks clean with no unusual odor. The previous owner said it has been like this for years and he learned to live with it. Were there any recalls or TSB's on this car? I like this car and would like to fix it properly if not to expensive. The 3.3l package was a great unit. I also have a 90 buick century with 111K and a 91 old cutlass ciera with 196K. Both have the 3.3l and run excellent. Can any one help me? Thanks and have a great day. Ken

Has the fluid and filter been changed?

It sounds like you have internal hydraulic leaks. Drop the pan and see if there is any foreign material in there. If not, add some Lucas lube when you refill it and see what happens.
The clunking going into 2nd could be a broken 1-2 accumulator spring, which could be an easy fix when you have the pan down.

tranny problem
 

Thank you for the replies to my question. I plan to do an oil and filter change when the weather warms up a little (4 degrees this morning). How would I know if the spring is broken, and where can I get the instructions on how to change it. Where can I get an exploded view of this trans. Thanks again, Ken

This write up is for installing a shift kit in a 4t60 transmission, but will provide most, if not all the information you will need. https://www.gmforum.com/performance-137/making-installing-shift-kit-4t60-e-transmission-287906/

Thanks for the above info. Is there a pictorial instruction on changing the reverse piston seal?. Where can I get the seals and gaskets I need? Can I do this while changing filter and fluid. I will be doing this on ramps on my back. Thanks, Ken

check out 'correction kits or shift kits'....
 

by TransGo or others since the original patent has expired. Transmission Exchange Co. is the primary seller w/very good customer service (phone) w/pdf's & videos for their kits.....:thumbup2

Correction kits for transmission improvements that the mfg should have designed in the 1st place...better shifting up & down...OD for around $40 bucks

Shift kits for a firmer, more powerful shift & better performance if your are going for some HP enhancements or towing loads beyond the normal minimum transmission recommend limits....:w3 From $89 to $130 or so...

Check this link: http://www.performancetransparts.com...hiftkit-1.aspx for my 1991 Lincoln Town Car "CEO" Exec....:rkr

That's a start, I have done the F-n-F w/Rislone trans stabilizer for issues on 1998 Audi A8 4.2 L w/135K miles in 'limp mode'...(see audipages.com for issue description, photos, procedures & write-up)...save $2,500 rebuild cost...:D

Same for 1989 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8 L w/225K in 'thump mode' going down for the count...now running fine @ 229,505 miles w/o 'thump mode' or slippage....:D

Same for 1994 Olds Cutlass w/159k miles...Shuddering...on OD downshifts....now it's running fine....:D

Now I'm facing the same think on a 1991 Lincoln Town Car "CEO"...87K w/OD slippage from tv cable bushing hold-down not being attached for about 40 miles...:nm

So w/this Lincoln....I'll probably do the F-n-F w/the shift kit....maybe the correction kit....still thinking about that....gp1

Hope this is helpful...keep researching....