It is a 67 with switch pitch. It was fine a few monts ago when I parked it for some paint work. 1-It is full of fluid 2-I disconnected the power to the switch pitch switches 3-The vacuum line is connected at the top, and the engine runs well, doesn't seem like a vacuum leak So,,,,where do I look? The linkage seems fine, just like it was before parking, all is well, it just stays in 1st gear, shifting manually does nothing. Save me from myself, Mike
If the detent switch is stuck sending +12v to the trans full time, that could cause it, as could a stuck governor. Devon
As I said originally, there is no juice going to anything on the transmission, I disconnected the power wire, on a 67 it is orange and comes from the wiper motor plug. The switch may be out of adjustment but can't be sending juice anywhere. So is there a way to get the govenor un stuck? And are those 2 things the only possibilities? I just keep thinking, it was great before. I did change carbs. I put an Edelbrock on and removed the AFB. Which required fabbing a "bracket" to bolt to the carb linkage to attach the S/P switch arm to. So when it wouldn't shift the first thing I did was disconnect the power so I (figured) could eliminate that as a possibility. Then checked the vacuum line and fluid. At that point I am out of ideas (read "out of knowledge"). Thanks Mike
Here's the troubleshooting chart for the Ron Sessions TH400 book that addresses lack of 1-2 shift: http://books.google.com/books?id=iU-kIOcsjIIC&pg=PA79&lpg=PA79&dq=%22check+for+loose+valve+body+bolts%22&source=bl&ots=-FbYE0SxeV&sig=tcdIK_sYl2opaZZpXBeA9hB_HEA&hl=en&ei=Um34S_CEGonSNYWk-YMI&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22check%20for%20loose%20valve%20body%20bolts%22&f=false Devon
Thanks Devon. So take the govenor apart and give it a good look over for the mentioned problems. Another question, If you are stopped and put the 400 turbo in second gear will the car take off in second gear? I know my 94 chevy truck with 4L60E trans will. It will stay in second gear, not downshift and not upshift.
Nope, the ST400's and the TH400's will always start from 1st unless the valve body has been modified. Devon
I went through same deal -I am gonna say not enough vaccume to modulater (my problem was where vac hose goes into intake was clogged up with dirt) o No: make sure hose to modulater is sucking good:3gears:
Well I looked at it, you can look directly at it looking down from the engine compartment. I haven't gotten under it, but it is in place and someons has put a hose and CLAMPS on both ends. Tiny little hose and tiny little clamps. I will look at it, it could still be bad. I put a new piece on the top of the metal line going to the intake. BUT A BETTER QUESTION IS "WILL A BAD, OR LOOSE VACUUM HOSE CAUSE IT TO STICK IN FIRST GEAR"? Thanks, Mike
Yes, no vacuum to the modulator will cause a no shift condition. I would check vacuum down at the modulator, and pull the electrical connection at the transmission just to make sure the detent isn't getting constant 12 volts.
Make sure that the vacuum is available at the modulator.I have seen crud/rust in the metal line more than a few times.
Make sure that the vacuum is available at the modulator.I have seen crud/rust in the metal line more than a few times.
It was indeed the vacuum. I took the line off the top, then tried to run a small straight pick down through the fitting on the intake. It went, but I thought it felt funny. Pulled it out, it was partially blocked with paint. Yes, it was my fault it was blocked. I had painted the engine and got some in the fitting I guess. I thought it was taped up good, but I guess it wasn't. So thanks to all, because you pointed out the likely problem it was fixed on the first try! Mike
Good deal. I should have asked a different question; lack of manifold vac at the modulator will still allow a 1-2 shift, but only at a speed high enough that it would typically be time for the trans to shift to second at WOT. Had that not been the case, we'd still be looking. Devon
