3spd harsh downshift when cold

kbobob · Post by **kbobob** » Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:17 pm

I searched the archives and am still not sure what I could be dealing with

This is my mom's 2001 neon with the good ole 3spd. car has 135,000kms on it.

This summer the tranny cooler in the rad let go and mixed fluids. I had the car towed to my place where i replaced the rad and dropped the tranny pan, replaced the filter and put in new fluid(even took the return line off and ran new fluid in until it ran the proper cherry cough syrup red instead of the orangy/red milkshake that it had).

The car has been running great and I check the fluid everytime I see the car and it still looks like new (btw...i used mobile 1 ATF+4).

Now with the cold weather around it has developed a problem. We think the problem is in the transmission. When slowing down to a stop the car seams to shutter quite hard for a few seconds, the engine even seems to diesel a bit. I am wondering if anyone with a 3spd(i know this tranny has been around for a while) has had this issue.

The fluid level and colour seem fine. I did however realize I forgot to adjust the kickdown band when I did it. I am also wondering if this could be some leftevers from the rad not allowing the proper pressure to build up in the tranny thus causing the shutter.

My sister has the car right now(she does most maintenance on her jeep herself) and she is pretty sure that the problem has to do with the transmission.

My thoughts right now are to do a band adjustment and maybe drop the pan and change the fluid and filter again.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Keith

Post by **occasional demons** » Tue Mar 06, 2012 10:41 pm

Hmmm, possibly the TC lock up is sticking?

Have you tried adjusting the kickdown cable at the throttle body?
viewtopic.php?t=10987

To confirm the TC lock up, pull the connector, so it won't lock up, and drive it. You will get a TC solenoid code/CEL, but it should go away after you plug it back in.

Have you keyed on three times to check for codes on the odometer?
(Key on, do not start.)

kbobob · Post by **kbobob** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:07 pm

hey guys....just wantd to say thanks for the input.

So far I have adjusted the bands, checked and adjusted the throttle cable, ajusted the kickdown band and unplugged the TCC solenoid. Unfortunately it is still having a problem, so this weekend I will be dropping the pan and seeing if i can clean the governer up. I do have a feeling there is still some sludge in the tranny from the antifreeze mixing in. When i checked the dipstick last time I noticed a bit of crap on the bottom of it....so i am hoping that its just that. I was also wondering if I should open up the valve body to check to make sure all the passages are clear.

Post by **occasional demons** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:14 pm

If the VB passages are gunked up, be sure to note where all the balls belong.

Or use this for reference:

Edit: Pic removed for link fail see below for pic.

http://ripcuda.50megs.com/shift.html

kbobob · Post by **kbobob** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:17 pm

wow..its been a while since i have seen that write up.....we did that to mine like 8 yrs ago..haha...

thanks for the post up...

kbobob · Post by **kbobob** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:17 pm

so...I just got word back...and my mechanic is saying the tranny is shot. He can get me a reman for 900 but hasnt quoted me on labour yet. Unfortunately the owner of the car has crap all for money...so I am trying to figure out how difficult it would be to get a junkyard transmission(I know its a gamble) and try replacing it myself.

I have never done a transmission, but from what I have found online, it doesnt look too complicated...more labour intensive.

any ideas?

emoxihax · Post by **emoxihax** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:40 pm

do it yourself foo

Post by **occasional demons** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:17 pm

You can get used 31th's for $150 to $250 from ebay. If you stick to places like LKQ, they are pretty reputable.