Hi, and with hope. I have an 88 1500. The automatic won't shift into high.
I went on a 150 mile trip up and back. Strange sensation on the return to I stopped and tranny fluid was low. Made it back and have been driving.
It quit shifting this Tuesday.

Is it "done dead" or is there something that can be done? Do you, any who can help, need more info? Reverse low and second seem to work. Although second I am not 100 sure of.

30 miles from any town, so, yuh, a bit concerned.

Fred

 

Does it take a long time to go from reverse to drive or vice versa? Does it feel like it's slipping in first, second or third? Now does it go into 3rd or 4th gear at all?

 

Reverse-stop-1st: grabs immediately and the invert test the same.
2nd grabs immediately- however, if it is supposed to go up to third while still in second [shift lever in 2nd], it does not- on a limited try.
3rd grabs with no hesitation but will not shift up. However, 3rd will free-wheel-slip at times a bit.

The interesting one is 4th. it will and it won't grab. It's like clutching in the old manual transmissions; you know, having it in gear and driving and suddenly clutch-- motor revs only.

Just tried another: Reverse-stop-shift to [0]4th. it free-wheeled/revving.
With the other three: Reverse to 3rd, R-2nd, R-1st, they all grabbed immediately.

Could it be sludge in a filter of sorts? Fred

Just took the truck out and put it in Odrive [drive] and from standing floored it. It took off but would not shift and the rpms wound up, then began slipping.

The help greatly appreciated. What does this tell you, these variety of tests?

 

Sounds like to be when the fluid level dropped the valve body may have picked up some dirt.
I would try a fluid flush and filter.

 

Glenn, I understand the words 'fluid flush' but in terms of an automatic tranny, what does this mean? If you don't mind, how and with what is it accomplished? I had ordered a filter and it came yesterday.

Fred

 

Remove the cooling likes. Using a electric pump or hand pump you can ad fluid to the lower cooling line a continue to do this until you see the new fluid come out of the upper line.

 

I prefer to flush with a machine ... but those are usually only commercially available. I'd just do a fluid/filter change and see if that helps.

Look for debris in your pan. Metal shavings, pieces of clutches, chunks of metal.

 

Smell the fluid too... Smell to see if it smells burnt.

 

Make sure your TV cable is properly adjusted, too. Have someone hold the pedal to the floor and the TV cable should as tight as a guitar string.

 

To those who contributed with their knowledge, thanks. The drive is out even though reverse and low do work Fred