The Car Care Clinic with the Dr John

88 Corsica 2.8 mfi - Transmission locks in top gear

Kalie

Question

I have just bought a 1988 Corsica 2.8 mfi, after the car has been driven for a few miles the transmission locks in top gear. Can you adsvise me what to look for?

Answer

Hi Kalie! You probably don't have any records of what regular maintenance was done throughout the life of this car before you took possession? If you are able to get information on the previous owner I would ask them if they kept records and would it be possible to have them as your starting your own folder. After all if he/she has them they wouldn't be of use to him/her now.

As for the problem you have, it sounds very much like you need a 'Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid '. This usually gets plugged with silt and fine pieces of metal and the oil cannot flow freely causing the transmission lock-up to stay engaged. It's almost like you have a standard transmission and your moving away in top gear. When you slow down with this problem on auto's it doesn't downshift but stays in high gear and this is what you are feeling. When this solenoid is changed the transmission shop should do a ' service ' on the trans at the same time, ie; new fluid, filter, gasket and pan cleaned, also the trans oil pan magnet cleaned or replaced.

Good Luck!
Dr. John