My 3T40 doesn't want to shift

[Wanako]

ok here's the issue. I got the my new 3.1 in the car and hooked up the old transmission and Torque Converter both of which worked beautifully before the swap.

Now after the swap, the engine runs solid and strong, but the trans doesn't want to shift to the next gear. More commonly from 2nd to 3rd. Example, I went on the highway and had it at about 30% throttle by the time i reached 45-50 miles per hour but the transmission kept holding on to 2nd gear and I was already at about 4800 RPMs. I tested it on the street and it will shift to 3rd when I'm BARELY tapping the throttle. My suspicion is that the Throttle Valve cable to the trans isn't adjusted correctly. Your thoughts?

[Cliff8928]

First, I would try and adjust the Throttle Valve (kickdown) cable.

[Vampcrist]

Yeah just go threw a double check all your connections as the first thing and I mean them all. Anything you disconnected make sure you check it. Could be something as simple as you missing a nother cable.

[Asylum]

It's a cable issue.

The kickdown cable is crucial in how a non-computer controlled trans works.

It's adjustable to a point but I'm guessing you have a kink in it somewhere.

[Wanako]

It's a cable issue.

The kickdown cable is crucial in how a non-computer controlled trans works.

It's adjustable to a point but I'm guessing you have a kink in it somewhere.

I was hoping you'd see this considering you're like the #1 advocate of the 3t40. haha.

So i see many people agree with me that this could be the perpetrator. I'll look into it soon to re-adjust it and if it doesn't do it my cable's probably dead. I'll have to go to the yard to pick one up. Thank you gentlemen.

[Wanako]

ok I adjusted the TV Cable and it was definetely way off. Now I also saw the Trans fluid and it was a bit dirty so I'll be replacing that along with the filter. My book says Dextron II or III but is there a better or upgraded fluid to use for the 3t40?

[Asylum]

I use Royal Purple or at least I used to until I dumped 7 quarts of it on the starting line with my 3.94 doomed experiment.

Used Type F for a while to negate all the friction modifiers, but Billy has me using Dexron right now.

It's really all snake oil in that all it is is 10 weight oil with a bunch of detergents in it.

Buy good stuff and GET A COOLER! And then get one for the trans, LOL

Best thing you will ever do for your car.

[Cliff8928]

GM recommends Dexron VI for all automatic transmissions and is what replaced the Dexron II and III specifications.

[Wanako]

Dexron VI it is. How many quarts of it does this thing take? also, when I drain it, does taking off the pan take out most of it or is there like tons of it hidden further into the trans?

[Cliff8928]

There's tons of it further in the trans, namely the torque converter. You might get out 5 quarts or so if i remember right (it's been a while since I've had an auto).

[Wanako]

Is there a way I can get it ALL out?

[Cliff8928]

without removing the transmission? Aside from a flush, no.

[Vampcrist]

Yeah other then a flush the only thing you can do is drain it, fill it back up, drive for eh 250 or 500 miles your choice, and then change it out again. This way your diluding the old stuff thats remainging in the torque converter and with a second change you should have the most of it out.