I have a tranny question....

Nate · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 408 Location: Owensboro, KY

Ok guys, help me out here, please. Maybe someone can shed some light on my problem. On my Firebird, there is something wrong with reverse. I can shift down into the gear but then the car sits there for a second, and then engages into the gear. Also, I've noticed at some stop lights I can feel the tranny slip a little bit when I first take off. After the car is warmed up, it's not as noticeable. It mostly occurs when the temperature is cooler outside. Any ideas of the problem or a fix? The car's done it since I bought it. It's not horrible or anything...just a little aggravating. Any help is appreciated!
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1979 Pontiac Firebird Redbird

http://www.cardomain.com/id/oldblue1981

rkellerjr · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 258 Location: Yorktown, VA

Check your tranny fluid, sounds like it's low partner.
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Rich
1975 TA - http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/v/rkellerjr/
Video: http://www.zenonline.com/~rkeller/Videos/75showcar.wmv

hardtop77 · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject: Sound like it

I agree Rich. Sound like it. There is some tranny stop leak and slip stuff you can put in that helps. Park it on clean cement and check for puddles. Could be leaking at tail or where the speedometer attaches. Keep us posted.
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Hooper

1977 Trans-Am – Father and Son Project
1980 Firebird – Converting to 1977 S.E. Clone

Nate · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 408 Location: Owensboro, KY

The fluid was a little low so I added enough to bump it back up to full. It responds a little better than what it did, but still not the best. It also doesn't like to shift down into low gear when on the highway. I talked with some guys over at 78TA and they seem to believe that the pump may be the culprit of the whole situation.
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1979 Pontiac Firebird Redbird

http://www.cardomain.com/id/oldblue1981

HotWings · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 6:50 am Post subject:

Nate, when is the last time the filter was changed in it? Or at least had the pan off to see if there is anything in it?

I know pumps can go bad, but, in my experience, it's usually something else, like burnt clutches.

Pete
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1978 Firebird
12.80@104.5mph

Nate · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 408 Location: Owensboro, KY

The transmission was installed new just a little over a year ago. Ever since I filled back up to full with fluid, I've had no problem. She goes straight into reverse without hesitation and she no longer slips when taking off from a stop. That problem's solved. I just can't get her to shift into 3rd gear when out on the highway.
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1979 Pontiac Firebird Redbird

http://www.cardomain.com/id/oldblue1981

rkellerjr · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 258 Location: Yorktown, VA

Great on the low fluid, glad that fixed it but the 3rd gear issue is worrisome. I'm not a tranny guy, the fluid thing was just a maintenance guess. I'd post up again over at 78ta or TAC, you'll get some suggestions.
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Rich
1975 TA - http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/v/rkellerjr/
Video: http://www.zenonline.com/~rkeller/Videos/75showcar.wmv