A440F Issue

[mtomal4]

1988 LC FJ62 - first time poster w/ trans issue

describing problem with example.
Drove it 25 miles one day - no issue. Drove it 15 miles the next day to a Dr appt - no issue. 30 minutes later, it would shift from 2nd into neutral. Tried 3rd gear on the shifter as well, no luck. Reverse wasn’t working either. Essentially gets right around shifting at proper RPM in 2nd and kicks it to neutral.

Problem is intermittent, not there all the time - seems to appears when warm.

Drained ATF, replaced both fluid and filter. Nothing obscure in the pan.

just looking for any pragmatic next steps before a full trans rebuilt or if anyone experienced something similar.

Thank you again.

 

[mtomal4]

basically right around -1800 RPM in 2nd, it would jump -3500RPM w/ no power or torque

 

[3_puppies]

oil level correct at temp?
maybe try the party trick and a Rodney flush

is this a new rig for you?

 

[Lead Head]

Is it actually in neutral, or dropping back down to 1st? My A440F did something very similar, and it turned out the TV cable had seized up inside the cable sheath. So while the engine throttle was free to move, the transmission cable was stuck "pulled", making the transmission think I was wide open and constantly trying to downshift.

 

[mtomal4]

oil level correct at temp?
maybe try the party trick and a Rodney flush

is this a new rig for you?

New rig. It’s over at a mechanics now

No, I’ve not tried a party trick and Rodney flush.

 

[mtomal4]

Is it actually in neutral, or dropping back down to 1st? My A440F did something very similar, and it turned out the TV cable had seized up inside the cable sheath. So while the engine throttle was free to move, the transmission cable was stuck "pulled", making the transmission think I was wide open and constantly trying to downshift.

Feels neutral because it drops all torque and power. Will check the TV/kickdown.

 

[3_puppies]

I forgot about the kickdown cable.

 

[89BIGBLUE]

I was gonna say check the cable.
Even it it "looks" ok, it can be bound up and cause issues.

 

[Michael Hanson]

How many total miles?

 

[mtomal4]

How many total miles?

Hi Michael, 230k. Last owner said transmission was replaced ~8 years ago. My guess is that it was a straight used swap, not a rebuilt replacement. I’ve got in into a specialty transmission shop (found someone actually willing to touch it) right now. Once I get the exact diagnosis (e.g. valve body, clutch pack, etc.) I’ll post here.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Do you have a copy of the FSM (factory service manual)? It has a whole troubleshooting section for the A440F, along with adjustment procedures, etc. There's a lot of investigation and adjustment that you can try before taking it to a transmi$$ion shop. I know that horse has left the barn, since it's already at a shop, but something to keep in mind for next time.

@Cruiser Cult has generously made the service manual available as a free download.

 

[mtomal4]

Do you have a copy of the FSM (factory service manual)? It has a whole troubleshooting section for the A440F, along with adjustment procedures, etc. There's a lot of investigation and adjustment that you can try before taking it to a transmi$$ion shop. I know that horse has left the barn, since it's already at a shop, but something to keep in mind for next time.

@Cruiser Cult has generously made the service manual available as a free download.

Yes, I have original maintenance manual thankfully…..but that link is super helpful nonetheless.

Funny you said tran$$mission shop. I might as well convert to a H55 with the quoted rebuild cost. Valve body, a drum and clutch packs are toast unfortunately. Got quotes from both and will be likely spending an extra 1k just to do the full blown conversion to a 5-speed.