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Topic: 72. T400 auto trans will not engage

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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72. T400 auto trans will not engage (1/4)
 10/23/13 5:59pm
apasbigal
Former Member

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goldens bridge, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac


Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498

My 72 has been up on stands for 2 years. Redid brakes, got wiper door to operate. Just changed oil, plugs, radiator fluid So I have messed with vacuum lines. Started it up , let it run. tried to put it Ito drive , or reverse but no movement. Could I have left something disconnected?? Car idles , but nothing happens when I move shift lever through reverse, drive .Seems like transmission isn't engaging. . Was fine before storage Any suggestions before I crawl under Thanks. Big Al. Transmission fluid registers OK and is a pretty red/pink with no smell

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Re: 72. T400 auto trans will not engage (2/4)
 10/23/13 10:35pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

If it was working ok before, there's a couple of possibilities...(assuming the shift linkage has not been removed, and not re-installed.)
It has sit so long that the fluid has drained completely out of the torque converter, and it has lost "prime"...meaning it just won't pick up any fluid. Check it like this....check the fluid level on the stick before starting it...make a note of exactly where the fluid level is. Then start it, and check the fluid level again. If the level does NOT go down, the pump is not pulling fluid up from the pan. If this is the case, you may need to remove the trans pan, remove the filter, pull the filter tube down out of the case, and replace the o-ring, then re-install the tube, making sure it is all the way up in the case. Then replace the filter(new one, preferably), pan, and fill with 6 quarts fluid. Start, and let it idle for a few minutes, then check the fluid level. If low, add until full. Then see if it will engage the gears. If not, then do the fluid level before/after starting check again.
If it still will not move, it's possible it has just sit so long the rubber seals inside the trans have given up the ghost, and just flat will not seal anymore. 


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Re: 72. T400 auto trans will not engage (3/4)
 10/24/13 4:52pm
apasbigal
Former Member

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goldens bridge, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac


Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498

Joel. , YOU THE MAN. THanks. I went out this morning to do the level check Before and after starting. I noted that the level was much lower than. Well, I added some fresh fluid , noted the level, then started the engine - SHIFTED Out of park and noted the familiar decrease in RPMs, went into drive , low, neutral and reverse . NOw I took my foot of the brake and the car moved in all shifter positions. As you said ,it must have lost its prime and the starting and running the selecter through the positions must have awaken the beast. NOw that it moves, a short drive around the neighborhood before bad weather. Now I know the next project - drop the pan, change O ring and filter and reassemble. Many thanks for the advice. ONCE AGAIN YOU WERE RIGHT ON Many THanks, BIG AL

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Re: 72. T400 auto trans will not engage (4/4)
 10/24/13 10:03pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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