92 VP Transmission Won't Change Into 3rd

[jaarze]

Righto so it's a 92 vp v6 AUTO round 170,000km on the clock i've had it for 30,000km now.

For the last few months when I look under the car, from under the transmission theres just red trans fluid everywhere n then under the trans sump its dripping all around where it seals. I check the fluid all the time n it always looks good, yet i do top it up very occasionally.

So i'm all ready to service it tommorow n i'm going down the shops n it wont change into 3rd. It just revs n sits likes it's in neutral. Adjusted kickdown n 1st n 2nd changes r fine it just keeps revving up at the top end of 2nd n wont change.

So the dillemma is I can't pin-point from the threads what it could be n what I can do myself to fix it.
Anything with trans a mechanics gonna charge me thou$and$ for something it might not even need.
What steps should I take?
Whats gonna be cheapest (Stingiest) way through this?

Thank u

[D3V14NT]

First of all double check your trans fluid levels and make sure they are spot on.

If thats all good do your trans service. When you drop the pan check out the fluid, if it's dark brown and has a burnt smell then it's highly likely that the 3-4 clutch pack is toast. It's a pretty common problem in the t700 & 4l60e transmissions.

After you finish the service take it for a spin and see if there is an improvement. I'm leaning towards a failed 3-4 clutch pack but I'm hoping for your sake that I'm wrong as that's rebuild or trans swap time.

I'm actually in the middle of rebuilding a t700 and this one shifted into 3rd and 4th quite fine but still has burn marks all over the 3-4 steel plates. So unfortunately by the time you notice that the gear is on it's way out it's usually far too late.

[delcowizzid]

i wouldnt even waste the trans fluid doing a service LOL.

[D3V14NT]

No vacuum lines to or in the transmission. The only hose coming off it (apart from the lines to the cooler) is a breather hose.

Delcowizzid is pretty much right, if you didn't have the gear already I wouldn't have suggested the service as it's only a minute chance that it'll fix it and not really worth spending the money to try. Fix is probably the wrong word, it might give you a little bit more life out of the clutch pack but it'll only be delaying the inevitable. As I stated my money's on the clutch pack in which case it's time for a rebuild. It could be other things but if it was a broken piston or something wrong in the valvebody it's highly likely you'll have other problems with the trans than just missing 3rd gear.

A good rebuild will set you back around $2000 - $2500. Make sure you go somewhere reputable who will do a decent job of it. A lot of updated parts have been released for this transmission to correct a multitude of problems. Cheapo places won't put these parts in and will only do the bare minimum. Which means you'll inevitably be back in for another rebuild a lot sooner than you should.

[delcowizzid]

pop the round cover off the tail housing of the trans and drop out the govenour if its not all caked in crap and jamed up or missing teeth on the cog stopping it from going in gear then its looking like trans time

[D3V14NT]

Wow, shows good character that you'll still offer advice after the guy has a crack at ya. Rep'n that.

[Defected]

Hey mate i had the exact same issue, was the clutch pack that was fried,
I got a second hand trans from my mechanic for $150 and put it in myself

[D3V14NT]

While it is possible to buy the 3-4 clutch pack separately, you need to pull 3/4 of the transmission apart to get to where it is. This means you'll be re-fitting all the parts with old seals, gaskets, etc.

2nd hand trans is the cheapest option but you run the risk of getting one thats on it's way out. Rebuilt is more expensive but will last longer, usually comes with a warranty and if you get a shift kit it'll have much nicer shifts and will be a lot more enjoyable to drive. Your call on which way you want (or can afford) to go.

Not sure on where you can go around there though sorry.