I am having some trouble with my transmission in a 86 GN. I just bought the car and was driving down the highway to get the car home. I pull up behind a truck and hit the gas to pass and the passing gear engages. I didn't realize that there was a stop up ahead before I passed the guy, otherwise I would not have passed him. So I am decelerating, and pull into town. I stopped and got a drink, and then I get back on the highway. I noticed something strange, it will not go into high gear. It shifted from 1st to 2nd but will not go into 3rd. I tried to manually shift the gears, but still will not go into 3rd gear. I am thinking that it is a kickdown issue, since it will shift from 1st to 2nd. The transmission is leaking a little bit of fluid, but I think that the previous owner overfilled the transmission. Please help me figure this out. I am posting this hoping that somebody has run into this issue before. It did perfect before, and I had never engaged the passing gear before I passed that truck
I just drove the car, and it is stuck in 1st, didn't even shift into 2nd. Could it be the shift selenoid? Any help is appreciated, I know very little about transmissions.
Fluid level is fine. I believe that the TV cable is working properly, I will check it tho. Anything that I should look for when I am checking it? Thanks
Sounds like the trans throttle cable is stuck. Make sure it moves freely and does not bind when released. If that looks fine, then it could be any combination of things. First culprit would be the governor weights sticking or something as simple as a stripped governor gear (plastic, what else). After that, it gets more complicated. Sticking valve body valves, burned band/clutches etc. Check the trans throttle cable first and go from there. 200 4R's are a decent tranny, but (IMHO) can't hold up to a TH400. Go obvious first and then forward. Good Luck!
I remember a long time ago my cable would be a little stuck after a WOT run. I would notice because it would shift really hard, ect. Pop the hood pull the cable and make sure it's got a reasonable amount of resistance and actually pulling the valve in the trans.
Thanks for the information, I don't think that the clutches are bad because the fluid looks good, and does not smell. (At least I am hoping ray: ) My dad thinks that the TV cable is binding up a little bit.
If the cable is stuck, it will leave the valve open in the trans correct? Making it stick in gear like it is?
I believe that it is working properly. Can't really tell if it is pulling the valve in the transmission. Could the cable have come loose from the valve?
If I recall correctly, if the cable comes off the valve inside the trans it raises a check ball off of its seat and creates high TV pressure to prevent the trans from self destructing. This could result in late (or no) shifts. Get hold of a chassis manual that has a section for the 200 4R and read through it. Want to say 81 and later will have it. Drop the pan and look as well. If it is hooked up ok, then check the governor. It is located under a cover in the rear of the trans towards the back. You will need a new gasket. The trans pan has a large "dimple" in the rear where the governor is located.
I would doublecheck that the TV cable is set up correctly. I have a 200R4 in the garage waiting for a rebuild and install. I have been doing lots of reading about it in anticipation. Here's a pretty good discussion of the TV system: http://www.tvmadeez.com/article/index.php Another great source for information is the turbobuick website. Good luck!
Thanks for the link. I know think that the TV cable is not set properly. I will probably go see if I can set it properly.
It has a vibration when it is in park or neutral. but not in drive. any ideas? It is definatly coming from the transmission area.
Hey tyler stuck in first is a "classic" symptom of the governor throwing a spring in the BRF 200R4s with the lightweight governor. dont know if its your issue but its something to check.
I might just take the thing to a transmission shop. My dad knows some good ones around here, and they should be able to fix it up. I would try to tackle this thing myself, but I know nothing about transmission work. and neither does my dad :ball:
May be a little far, but try calling Greg Ducoto at Phoenix Transmissions in Weatherford. He's been doing trannys for lots of the Texas Buick guys for years and really knows his stuff.
the tv has a double valve and spring i if one of the valves stuck it could cause you problem i would slap the gas pedal wide open a few times with the car shut off then try to drive it you can take the cable off the throttle body and drive the car just dont get into boost light load wind it right out and see if she shifts if the tv valve is stuck it will shift late and hard some times very late and very hard if the car upshifts a wide open throttle at 5000 rpm and the tv is stuck you may have to bring the rpms that high to get it to shift you can aslo jack up the rear axle so there is no load on the trans while trying to get it to shift. good luck
Well, I took the car to Jim Burek. He said that the transmission basically tore itself apart! Aparently I am pretty good at destroying transmissions.
With a 200r4 if they start acting funny pull over and do not drive them. I think in your case it started with the TV cable. If that has a problem you will destroy the trans in a short time. Next time that happens, pull over and turn the car off. Push the TV cable release button and move the ratchet mechanism all the way back. Then push the gas peddle to the floor and you should hear the ratchet mechanism working. Should be all adjusted and ready to go.
I don't think that it started with the TV cable, I think that it was one of many issues that all happened at the same time.
