This is a weird one! My 1st to 2nd shift is fine. My 2nd to 3rd shift seems to go into neutral before the actual shift occurs. Now I have read many posts on this, but my problem occurs only at a very light throttle, such as almost coasting in a parking lot. Normal driving is fine with normal shifts. The fluid is clean and to the correct level and the modulator has been previously replaced with a green stripe. I basically have two questions about this. #1- is it going to hurt my transmission? #2- I usually put the selector in " 2 " when doing the shopping center thing. Is this going to hurt the transmission? I have not adjusted the bands on it yet, but from reading other threads, I don't think that will help it. Ok guys, anyone have an idea on this? I know this is Paul's area, but I'm just wondering if any of you have had this condition and do you think it's worth worrying about? Thanks all, I really appreciate it!
Do a search on "2-3 flare". Lots of info, since it is a common problem. Old trannies do it, and some of it can be safely adjusted out with tightening the intermediate band. Just not too tight, or you will create more problems.
I have read quite a bit on the other posts, but this condition only occurs at real light throttle, not while you are accelerating. My issue seems backwards of the normal " flare shift ". My main concern is if this will do damage. Also is there any harm done by driving in 2nd gear? 15 to 20 mph is where I drive in 2nd. That is also the speed at which the flare occurs.
Shouldn't hurt it holding a gear. It is like a standard transmission, except it shifts automatically. If you want to hold 2nd gear longer, go for it. But you will eventually have to get into 3rd. And you really don't want that slip between gears. It is just wearing things down further. My 2-3 flare occurred at low and high speeds. It was most notable at low speeds, because it took longer for the 3rd gear to catch. At high speeds, it was just a high rpm blip, then it caught into 3rd. My guess (without being there and witnessing it in person, of course) is that it flares both at low and high rpms...???
Driving around town in 2 is not good for gas mileage. 15-20 shouldn't be a problem...I don't shift to 3 until around 60 mph. But wouldn't it be nicer to burn $3.50 pr gallon gas in 3rd rather than 2nd? C4s are cheap and easy to work on. Fix it before you drive in 2.
I only use 2nd to drive through the parking lots. Before I exit the lot I put it in drive. It shifts fine under normal driving, it's just the low speed operation where it flares.
New hoses top and bottom ( I used ΒΌ" fuel line so it won't kink ) I also did a vacuum test on the modulator, metal tube, and the hoses and no leaks. I think I'll do a band adjustment and see if that is off. It would be one thing I then could eliminate from the diagnosis!
