Cold weather with my trans

Discussion in 'The "Juice Box"' started by Spazmodium54, Jan 25, 2005.

  1. Spazmodium54

    Spazmodium54 Well-Known Member

    I have a 350-2, and I believe that I have 350 turbo trans, but I'm not positive. Anyways, recently when it gets really cold, my car won't go into drive, and it just acts like it is neutral. I understand that it is probably just moisture in the fluid freezing. BUt this past week, when it's really cold, My trans makes a loud click noise when it shifts down, like when I go up a hill. It kinda scares, but it seems to be fine when it warms good and long. Do you know if I have a serious problem at hand?
     
  2. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    This is a really dumb sounding question, but we have to start somewhere:

    Did you check the fluid level?:Do No:
     
  3. Spazmodium54

    Spazmodium54 Well-Known Member

    I checked it back at Christmas and it was only a little low, but nothing to too bad. I'm gonna check it again tomorrow when I get back from school.
     
  4. Truzi

    Truzi Perpetual Student

    I'd guess its low on fluid too.
     
  5. Carl Rychlik

    Carl Rychlik Let Buick Light Your Fire

    You have to watch the valve body to check and see if the dowel valves are sticking.It appears that this may be the case.If the trans hangs up in gear and doesn't shift up,the governor may be sticking as well.
     
  6. Spazmodium54

    Spazmodium54 Well-Known Member

    How do I prevent the dowel valves and governor from sticking?

    And just to remind you, I know nothing about transmissions. So if it's not to complicated to explain; What are dowel valves?
     
  7. Carl Rychlik

    Carl Rychlik Let Buick Light Your Fire

    Add a good transmission additive(i.e. Amsoil makes an additive) to free up the gum and varnish that hang up the dowel valves. The 'dowel valves' I'm referring to are the control valves that are inside the valve body.They resemble the shape of a dowel and slide back and forth depending on transmission operations.If your car sits for sustained periods of time,the transmission fluid will accumulate water and a fluid change is necessary. This will make your transmission operate the way it does.
     

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