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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
88
Eagle Premier, Cold Shift Problems
Q: I have a 1988 Eagle Premier with trans. problems. It won't
go into 2nd gear unless it is warm, and then it makes a high pitched whine.
I have changed the fluid and filter and it hasn't made any difference.
I suspect that it is one of the clutches, but everyone I talk to has no
info. Due to the cost of a rebuilt or replacement, I would like to find
an alternate cure if possible.
A: It
sounds as if an internal component of the transmission is sticking when
it is cold. The question is why is it sticking? The most common cause
of poor transmission performance when cold is due to lack of proper maintenance.
Changing the transmission filter and replacing the fluid will not instantly
correct years of meager care. Old transmission oil will cause deposits
to form; the consequence will cause internal valving in the transmission
to stick, resulting in poor shifting.
When the transmission filter is changed only a small portion of the transmission
oil is actually changed, leaving a large amount of the old oil in the
transmission. In many of today's vehicles the only way to remove the oil
is to have the system flushed. Clean transmission oil will aid in removing
gummy deposits. But this will not correct damage and worn transmission
parts.
Keep in mind that your Eagle Premier is nearly 10 years old; you may need
to have the transmission rebuilt.
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