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Lost 4th gear-lots of questions

green97

green97

New member
Alright I just got my new used motor swapped into my car last weekend. Over the last few days have been taking a few 20 to 30 mile drives to town and back figuring out and fixing issues. On one of the trips I heards a whirring whiny noise that sounded like it was in the trans. Nothing unusual was noticed other than the noise for a few seconds. After another trip on the interstate I realized my rpms were up to 3500 at 80. Tried shifting between 3rd and D and nothing happens. Also made a youtube.

https://youtu.be/3JtdSBSogX8

After hours of searching and reading I found following threads most helpful and encouraging however many pictures don't work thanks to photobucket...

http://www.grandprixforums.net/thre...TCC-4th-Clutch-Hub-Replacement-in-the-Vehicle
http://www.grandprixforums.net/threads/54448-How-to-transmission-4th-gear-side-cover-access?highlight=gear


  • Anybody agree that my most likely issue is the shaft splines stripped?
I am going to call triple edge performance and order some parts on monday and maybe ask him a few questions. I am planning to install a hardened splined shaft and the PCS and TCC solenoids.
  • What are the reasons to replace the PCS and TCC solenoids during this gear hub change?
  • Do I need to buy the 3 thrust washers mentioned in 02NavyBlue's thread?
  • Can I drive this car like this until I replace the hub (less than say 3000 rpm) or will it do more damage?
  • If I change the shaft should I be concerned about metal shavings in the trans from the splines shaving off or does the filter catch them?
  • Anything else I should do while I have the cover off?
  • Why don't I have any trouble lights on? Does this problem throw a code? I had a scanner and wasn't seeing anything.
  • Is there anything else I should do to double check that the shaft is the problem?
 
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is that noise seeming to hold the rpm's down. i noticed mine making a funny sound like that right before it sh1t the bed on me.
 
Nah I noticed the noise for about 15 seconds while driving and haven't heard it since. Then later noticed I had no overdrive.
 
usually whining tranny is a bad pump, or a clogged filter. never seen one start and then stop tho. either way you'll be dropping the pan at some point im sure. then you'll know more about its condition.
 
Scottydoggs said:
usually whining tranny is a bad pump, or a clogged filter. never seen one start and then stop tho. either way you'll be dropping the pan at some point im sure. then you'll know more about its condition.
Click to expand...

It isn't making the noise anymore but I do not have 4th/overdrive. Not sure what I would find in dropping the pan. Fluid looks good just did a filter change say 1500 miles ago.

Biggest question I need answered is if I stripped the splines on 4th clutch shaft can I hurt it by driving in 3rd for awhile until I figure things out?
 


you should be ok driving it till you fix it. sad thing is the new part is like 40 bucks, but its a job to swap it. pretty sure billboost37 has a how to for it.
 
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I have been driving for at least 10k in 3rd. And I recommend that's what you do - put it in 3rd so that 4th clutch does not engage. I also do not go over 65mph but that is because I'm trying to keep the tranny alive for as long as possible. It is very hard to stay under 65 but what doesn't kill you makes you grow stronger!
 
Thanks Sparky. I ran a scan with an hptuner and confirmed I have mechanical problems only. In the process of ordering a triple edge performance trans. I will probably put in an extra cooler and maybe even replace radiator.
 
Still waiting on triple edge. Ordered a dorman pan with drain plug, some kooler clean and a hayden auxiliary trans cooler. Will add items later when replacing trans if I ever get it. I have been driving about 1000 miles in 3rd with no problems usually keep it at 65-70.
 
^^ just burning extra fuel. I drove my 2000 for about 3000 miles that way. But I drive a lot so the rebuild tranny paid for itself in fuel savings. That was back when gas was $4 a gallon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 


DIC says 26 mpg (really 24), I typically drive at least 200 miles a week. Work is 100 miles round trip. I try to car pool. Drive over a mountain pass everyday with lots of hills.
 
I drove for like 2-3 years (probably only 5-6000 miles though) with no 4th gear when I stripped mine. Pulled it into 3rd on the console when I was above 45 so I didn't have a second high speed neutral.
 
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