Got some questions regarding the operation of my 200r4

[moparkid]

Got a couple concerns as of late and I'm hoping I can get some insight.

Concern #1 - blowing fluid out the vent tube.
The trans fluid level is full according to the dipstick. I checked the # on the indicator to make sure I have the correct one, which I do. Seems to only do it during/after a WOT experience. I spoke with my tranny tech at work, and he recommended I flush out the trans cooler. Any other ideas?

Concern #2 - odd 2-3 shift under WOT.
During normal conditions, the trans shifts nice and stiff thru all the gears. Under WOT, the 2-3 shift doesn't slip, but it seems to stand still almost before shifting into 3. The 1-2 and 3-4 shifts are very solid.

The fluid is pink and clean. I'm going to pull the pan down also and inspect for anything out of the ordinary, but I expect to find nothing as the previous owner changed the fluid and filter before I bought it (like a week before). I've never had issues with a 200r4, and this one in my GN is the 4th G body I've had with a 200r4. I'm really hoping its something minor, but I've got a feeling the 2-3 band may be worn out and a rebuild is in order at some point.

Any help or leads would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[mikestertwo]

Concern#2 sounds like 2-3 bind up. 3rd gear (direct clutch) is engaging before the band releases (2nd gear). May have band clearance issues, problem with the intermediate servo, is the direct clutch dual fed?

 

[moparkid]

Update

I finally got some time to work on my car. I decided to flush the trans cooler because I thought that if it was restricted the psi would cause the fluid to be pushed out of the vent. I disconnected my cooler lines, blew air thru the cooler, and the fluid is moving thru just fine.

I talked with a tech at work about the issue with the fluid. He asked when the last time the fluid was changed, and I told him right before I got the car a filter and fluid change was done. He thought the case may be getting air inside if the filter isn't sealing properly. I pulled the pan off and took the filter out. I found the seal on the filter was definately not the correct one. It almost appeared to be one of those heater pipe o-rings on the newer 3.8's in W body vehicles... I replaced the filter, added new fluid and put it back together. I drove home from work tonight (approx 10 miles) and so far no fluid on the pan. I didn't stand on it hard, but I did moderately step into it a few times. Hopefully I've cured this issue.


To update my 2-3 shift concern... The car still has the condition during WOT. It drives fine and shifts fine under normal driving conditions. However, I'm skeptical about my converter lockup. I played with it a bit on the way home, and while watching my rpm's on the scanmaster and lightly applying the brake, the rpms did not jump up 100-200 like they do in my truck when the converter comes out of lockup. Can anyone recommend another way to test this? I know this transmission in my car has been rebuilt at one time due to the shift kit that is oh-so-noticeable :biggrin: I inspected everything while I had the pan off tonight and no fluid was burnt, no shavings in the fluid, etc. Is it possible that this tranny may have been built for race application only and not a lot of street use? Perhaps someone installed a non-lockup converter? I don't know how to tell the OE converter from a performance model, but since I don't have an inspection cover on I can see my converter plain as day - it is a turquise color but I don't see any manufacturer stampings on it.

If there are any tranny guys that can help me lead the way, now is your time for the spotlight. Thank You!!!

 

[JohnTN]

Another way to test for lockup is to get to a steady speed, say 50 mph, on level ground or gentle incline. Then give it light to moderate throttle while watching the tach. If it is unlocked the tach will move up a couple of hundred rpms before the car gains any speed. If it is locked the tach won't read higher until the car starts gaining speed and will stay in "lock step" with the car speed.

John

 

[moparkid]

Thanks John, I will try that today as I'm taking it to a local car show a few miles from home.

I drove it home Thursday night, and it sat puddle free. I moved it out of the garage yesterday for a bit, pulled it back in, and now have a spot of trans fluid on the front right corner... kinda like the fill tube seal may be leaking The pan is still dry, so I think I'll replace that next.