Turbo 400 automatic transmission can be seen behind huge, powerful engines in new Chevrolet and General Motors automobiles and trucks, as well as Jeep, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and many other makes and models.
Bearing the fact that the device is one of the most reliable on the market, problems might still arise. One or more of the following symptoms may indicate a problem: shifting or acceleration problems; loud noises; sloppy shifting; or difficulties getting the car into gear.
It is fitted with a vacuum modulator, which detects variations in the engine’s vacuum as a result of changes in the throttle position and load. As these adjustments take place, the modulator adjusts the transmission’s shift time to match the demands of the engine’s output. This article includes information on what to do when your turbo 400 is not properly engaging or when it is not working.
Steps on troubleshooting a Turbo-400 transmission
Step 1; Verify that the fluid level is sufficient
You should check the automatic transmission fluid level in the transmission itself as soon as you think that the transmission is having problems. Located inside the engine compartment, on the passenger side, close to the firewall, is where the dipstick is found on the TH400 (opposite the radiator). It is necessary to pull up on the dipstick handle, which will release it from its tube in order to remove it.
Reinstall it in its original location, ensuring that it is completely seated in the vehicle. Then take the stick out of your pocket and examine the tip of it. When there are low levels of ATF in the transmission, the level indicators will alert you.
Step 2; Make sure all of the connections are working properly
In some cases, the connections that are attached to the shift lever can become misaligned, which can result in a sloppy or difficult shift reaction. Inspect for irregularities such as bent or damaged pieces, loose connectors, or blockages that might prohibit the vehicle from moving smoothly.
Step 3; Change the filter
Remove the transmission pan by unbolting all 13 transmission pan bolts and removing the pan. The filter is located in this section of the transmission line. Replace the filter and refill the transmission with new automatic transmission fluid (ATF). It is important not to tighten the bolts too much, as this can cause the gasket to become damaged.
Six to eight foot-pounds of force should be sufficient. If you don’t have access to a torque wrench, simply tighten them down as much as you can by hand before turning them half a revolution.
Can a turbo 400 shift without a vacuum?
This transmission is an early generation that does not use a computer and is highly sought after by vehicle enthusiasts because of its internal strength. It was manufactured in the United Kingdom. This is due to the fact that solenoids are not used to control it, and hence additional apparatus must be used to adjust shift points.
Put another way, an automatic gearbox, whether it’s an early or late type, is dependent on hydraulic pressure to change gears and to manage the time at which it does so. In conjunction with the usage of engine vacuum, the vacuum modulator influences the shift points.
Causes of slipping on a turbo 400
Reduced or burned transmission fluid is the most typical cause of a slipping transmission. Another reason for this is worn gearbox bands, a malfunctioning torque converter, or a malfunctioning shift solenoid assembly. Bad TCM can occasionally be the root of the problem.
1. A low transmission fluid
It is likely that a low transmission fluid level is the most typical reason for your transmission to slip, and it is also the most straightforward to correct. Reduced pressure is required to properly engage the gears when the fluid level falls below a critical level. While shifting, the transmission is put under strain, which causes it to slip, which causes the transmission fluid to overheat.
Checking the gearbox fluid level is typically really simple and may be accomplished by simply looking at the probe in the engine compartment or consulting your service manual for specific instructions on how to do so.
Recall that the transmitter is a sealed device, which means that the hydraulic fluid should not vanish if the system is not leaking at all times. To avoid the same problem from occurring again, you must repair any leaks that have occurred.
2. A burnt transmission fluid
Transmission sliding can also be induced by transmission fluid that has been burned. There is a distinct burnt toast aroma to the charred fluid, which is unusually black in hue. It is rendered ineffective if the radiator fluid burns.
The majority of the functions in the transmission may be affected, and your transmission may slip as a result of the problem. Changing your transmission fluid, as well as replacing any faulty transmission components that are creating the smell, is highly recommended if your fluid smells burned.
Burnt transmission fluid happens when your transmission overheats, but it can also occur as a result of a combination of very old transmission fluid and a high temperature of the transmission fluid. It is also possible that worn parts will result in the transmission fluid becoming black and requiring replacement.
3. Broken or worn transmission bands
When it comes to automatic transmissions, there are bands that connect the gear in the automatic gearbox together in many different sorts. Because these bands may wear out over time, you may need to make adjustments to your brace. In older transmissions, however, when changing the transmission band was occasionally included in the scheduled service, this was considerably more prevalent.
The replacement of these bands should not be necessary over the car’s lifetime in most cases nowadays, although it is possible. Due to the fact that you will have to rebuild the entire gearbox in order to accomplish this, you would prefer to simply replace the transmission bands instead.
These transmission bands are not present in all transmission types, but they are present in many of them, and it is definitely worth taking this into consideration while looking for reasons as to why the transmission is failing.
4. A faulty torque converter
A malfunctioning converter is a common component that can lead to transmission sliding. In automatic transmissions, the torque converter replaces the clutch. It’s filled with the fluid and uses it to convert engine power to torque at the wheels. The most key difficulty with the converter is that it does not generate enough pressure to adequately transmit torque, resulting in a slipping transmission.
5. Faulty solenoids
The shift solenoid is a set of electrical valves that handle hydraulic pressure to allow the transmission to shift at precisely the proper time. If these solenoids do not open or close properly, it will be difficult to engage gears effectively, and your transmission may begin to slip. Faulty wiring to the shift solenoid valves can also lead them to malfunction, and in rare cases, a faulty transmission central controller can also be to blame.
6. Slipping clutch
You may believe that clutches are exclusively found in manual autos, however this is not the case. In fact, clutches are used in the most sophisticated automatic gearboxes. The fact is that many current gearboxes are manual, but the shifting is handled by a robot.
Fixing transmission slipping
When trying to fix the slipping transmission, the first step to be taken is to inspect the transmission liquid level and thoroughly evaluate the condition. You should initially try to fill the container with fluid if the level is low but the color appears fine. Changing the fluid and filter if the fluid is brown is something you should seriously consider doing.
Transmission fluid should be changed if it has turned black and smells burned. A transmission flush should also be performed if the fluid has turned black. Additionally, a diagnostic scanner that is able to read the transmission controller can be used to retrieve the issue codes. Any issues with the shift solenoids should be investigated.
It is necessary to take your vehicle to a transmission specialist for an inspection and, possibly, a transmission rebuild if the problem persists after you have changed the fluid and checked for associated fault codes.
How transmission slipping can be prevented
To keep your transmission from slipping, you must keep both the car and the gearbox in proper working order. The most straightforward method of preventing transmission sliding is to change the fluid and filter on a regular basis or according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for your individual automobile type.
Every month, check the liquid level and repair all leaks in the transmission to avoid a low gearbox fluid level from occurring. Many problems with your transmission will be avoided as a result of this.
Conclusion
It is not suggested that you drive your automobile when the transmission is slipping. Whenever your automatic transmission slips, it generates a significant amount of heat in the transmission fluid, which can burn and damage numerous other expensive components in your automatic gearbox.
Before embarking on any road travels, it is therefore recommended that you either remedy the problem or have a professional examine the situation.
