77 coupe deville problem

[Sid Bartos]

My 77 coupe deville has a problem and im not sure what it is..

When i go to drive it, the engine revs but the car doesnt move..it is in drive. Yesterday on my way home from work I pulled onto my street (luckily) and when i pressed the gas i could hear the engine but I wasnt goin any faster. Eventually i slowed down and rolled all the way down the street and into my driveway. This happened the day before when leaving my house but it eventually got going so i just thought it was cold. The only thing i could think of causing this is that the carb needs work and it was supposed to be done this weekend.

Does anyone know whats wrong?
 
thanks

[David #19063]

Hello Sid,

If you are lucky, you are low on transmission fluid.  Check the fluid when when the engine is warm and running.

If you are unlucky, the trans could be shot.

Although, once, a friend of mine spun the rubber piece that held the inner & outer drive shaft shells together while severely rough housing my 98 Old 98.  Had to buy a new driveshaft.

Good luck and let us know.

David

[Dave MacGregor #18998]

Hi,

Sounds like your transmission is slipping.  First, check to see if it has enough fluid in it.  Warm up the car and park it on a level spot before checking.  If it has enough, then problem is most likely mechanical.  Make sure the fluid is also purplish red and not brown or any other color,  It its just low and the color looks alright, then use only Dexron transmission fluid.  Also while

Dave

[Eric Maypother CLC #15104]

Hi,
I have a 77 & an 85, if the fliud level is ok you may want to change the fluid and filter before you start to look for a new transmission, Id had trannys slipping and got several more months out of them after having the trans fliud and filter changed, will be a cheap fix and give you time to save for a transmission.
Eric

[Rusty Shepherd CLC 6397]

My parents bought a new 1969 Oldsmobile Delta 88 455 and the first morning after delivery on cold start-up, the transmission (TH400 as in your CDV) slipped, but it stopped when the car warmed up. After several repeat performances, my dad left it at the dealer. They had ordered a new transmission for it when someone thought to check the trans. fluid. It was underfilled at the factory and performed normally after it was topped off.

[Sid Bartos]

I got a quote from a local repair and they said it would cost $1250 to rebuild the transmission. Is this this a reasonable price and is it even necessary?

Thanks, Sid

[Michael Stamps 19507]

Did you check the fluid level as others suggested?  For a rebuild that does sound a little high to me but if they are removing and replacing  the trans (30 mins to an hour each) the extra money might be worth it for you.  Remember you are paying them book time to remove and replace the trans for you.

Stampie

[Sid Bartos]

I checked the fluid level and it was low so i added fluid. This seemed to work but halfway down the street the trans went out and we had to push it home. This frustrates be because it will run fine for a few minutes then the trans will quit working.

[Tim Pawl CLC#4383]

Is the trans growling, when it goes out?    Replace the trans filter and O Ring before having trans rebuilt, sounds like a clogged filter.....no pressure or flow.  I had this happen on a 1979 and filter saved what I also thought was going to be an expensive repair.

[George]

Does reverse work

[Sid Bartos]

reverse does not work

[George]

If you have no drive forwards or reverse, the problem could be a number of things, but if after filling the fluid, your car drove a short distance, the problem could be pump pressure. This can be simple or serious. The relief valve could simply be sticking. or alternatively the pump could be worn out. It could also be linkage, but this is doubtful if you drove it some distance before it failed. Linkage problems generally mean the car wont move at all,or the shifts occur at the wrong time. Either way, in the short term you could fix it, but the likelihood is, the trans needs overhaul or renewal. Even pressure testing will cost you. Get your best price for the job, is the easy advice.