The switch on the throttle linkage, where it hinges and clicks the switch. Will the transmission still shift into 3rd gear with that disconnected?
Brian, All the switch does is control the switch pitch convertor and the kickdown. The trans should shift 1-2-3 with it disconnected, no problem. As I posted on the BPG board, I think your problem is in the direct clutch (3rd/reverse). If you checked your vacuum connections as Larry suggesed and the modulator is working, you should get 1-2-3 upshifts. No vacuum would cause either very late/hard shifts or none at all. 1-2 would likely happen and no 3rd if vacuum is low or none. From what you described, the 3rd clutch is not functioning properly. With no vacuum, reverse would be VERY hard and slam into gear. The slipping in reverse is not a good sign. This usually means something is wrong inside the trans either with fluid flow or something assembled wrong. There are a number of things that can cause your problem. A missing check ball, sealing problems, wrong valve body gaskets, or loose kickdown soleniod etc. Even an out of position selector can cause this. Double check vacuum and make sure that the trans selector is adjusted properly in drive and all ranges. Hope some of this helps, Mark
Ok. We have that switch on the throttle linkage set right. We ran the test light on both of the switches, and we think that the plunger switch beside the carb is bad. It has no power at idle on the switch pitch side, when you put it at half throttle, you still have nothing feeding power to the tranny. The kickdown lights up at 3/4 - WOT. We think this is causing it to stay in passing gear, not letting it kick out to 3rd gear causing low pressure. Also- how do you guys set it up to where you can work it all from a toggle switch?
Brian, Here is a simple test. For the trans to shift 1-2-3, the switch does not need to be connected. Either put NO power to the switch or unplug the switch from the trans. If it shifts fine, then part of your problem may be with the switch. If it still won't shift to 3rd, your problem is with the trans and not the switch. Being stuck in kickdown will not lower the trans pressure, it raises it! I am sure you are aware how hard it is to diagnose a problem when I can't drive the car or even hear what is happening. You need to isolate what is happening here. Do the above test first and then we can go about wiring toggle switches if necessary. Good Luck, Mark
Mark, I sold him the throttle plunger switch, I know it works b/c I tested it. I also gave him the wire that goes down to the tranny. At one time the plastic plug connector body was screwed up on the end that goes on the throttle switch, and I think I may have accidently reversed the white and black wires when I replaced it. I wish I was there to help him......I know how tough those switches are to set up if you've never done it before. I also think he may not be getting continuity through the small switch at the other end of the throttle rod b/c his test light is not coming on at the trans end of the SP wire. I told him to temporarily bypass the small switch and see what happens. I agree, his missing 3rd gear is an internal problem. Hang in there Brian, just be patient, you'll get it soon! ou:
I have been roundy round on these switches too, having had 2 64 Skylarks and a 67 GS 400. Thought the wires might have beens switched too, but figured that the best course was to just disconnect it and test drive the car. We have all been there by not wanting to pull out anything we have just put in, but sometimes it is the way to go to fix the problem. Quite a few years ago Rick M gave me some trans parts for his rebuild that were "good". Well, the trans lasted about 20 miles before all the clutches were totally worn out. :shock: Anything can happen at anytime, so Brian just has to check things out and hang in there. Lately there have been some problems with suppliers giving the wrong valve body gaskets in rebuild kits. Pre 87 and post 87 TH400 gaskets are different and will cause internal leakage. The right parts are essential to a sucessful job. At this point, process of elimination what needs to be done. Mark
