A904 stopped shifting into 3rd...

[Calebnielson6]

I was driving on the highway going around 65 and all of the sudden the car downshifted into 2nd without warning, after pulling over for a minute I checked the fluid level which was good, no leaks but it still won't shift. Shifts into 2nd fine but It doesn't try to go to 3rd. I recently rebuilt the transmission with a shift kit and it had been working fine for 500+ miles until now.

 

[CFD244]

 

[408 swinger]

Does it still have reverse?

 

[Calebnielson6]

Does it still have reverse?

Yes I backed out of the garage with no problems.

 

[408 swinger]

Ok. If it still has reverse, the direct clutch might be ok.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

Is reverse delayed? What was the front clutch clearance?

 

[C130 Chief]

Front clutches worn out.

 

[Dartswinger70]

OP stated they rebuiltened it...

 

[Bobzilla]

Probably not related to the clutch packs since it downshifted instead of slipping. More likely a pressure problem caused by something coming apart in the governor housing or in the valve body. Check the shift linkage and throttle pressure/kickdown linkage adjustments first. If all good there, pressure tests from a factory service manual may lead to the cause, or at least the right direction toward the cause.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

Is your garage on the side of a hill?

 

[Calebnielson6]

No, it shifts into reverse at a normal speed and every function works besides 3rd. I adjusted the kick down cable last night and it was a little loose but that still didn't seem to fix the problem, also readjusted the shift linkage which didn't have an effect either.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

Ya can't just throw these together without checking end play or clutch clearance and expect them to last.

 

[Calebnielson6]

Well I did, I followed the rebuild manual step by step and checked everything twice. And like I said, it worked perfectly fine until now.

 

[408 swinger]

What did you use for sealing rings on the back of the pump? Wonder if a ring broke.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

Nope, a broken ring would lose reverse. Maybe a thrust washer snapped and fell out; and the front drum moves around differently when third is engaged than reverse; causing an intermittent internal leak around said rings. First check fluid level, then drop the pan.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Sounds like something's messed up.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

I asked what the end play was, but never got an answer. Same with the front clutch clearance.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I asked what the end play was, but never got an answer. Same with the front clutch clearance.

Do you expect anything more around here?

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

I think maybe I just like to complain. But I do feel a glint of self-righteousness..

 

[AJ/FormS]

Ok here's my plan;
If you have Reverse and Second then ALL your clutches and bands are working. This means the problem is in the VB or possibly in the manual-valve detent, highly unlikely, and still a VB issue. So check it. Then if that is right, next;
For testing purposes only, disconnect you KD linkage and take up to 30 mph..... gently;
If all three shifts occur very early then your VB is probably fine; and for sure your Governor is Ok.
But if third gear still will not come in, then likely the 2-3shift valve is hung up, or one of them daymn check-balls disentegrated, lol. In any case the VB will have to come out, and while you got it down you can airtest the clutches.
Re install the KD.

 

[Duster346]

Do you have a lokar kickdown on this?