[loyter]

Ok, I've installed a rebuilt transmission in my '63 Nova. I installed the TCI lockup kit that sends 12v to the trans and the ground is switched via a vacuum switch.

On my test drives, I've found it has an issue. It shifts up through the gears just fine, but doesn't shift back down at zero throttle and the engine lugs to a stall as if I were in a manual tranny car and I was braking to a stop with the car in gear.

I have tried: disconnecting the power to the transmission, disconnecting the vacuum to the TCI vacuum switch, moving the vacuum from manifold vacuum to carb vacuum, and jumping the ground wire to make sure I was getting good ground.

The symptoms seem to remain exactly the same no matter what I do.

From my research here and a couple other sites, I am thinking I have a sticking 4 gear lockup solenoid. Problem with that theory is that it's brand new.

Finally, I have a 4:10 diff and I haven't switched the speedo gears out yet, so it reads about 20 mph too fast at 50 mph. Could it be that the speedo gears have something to do with it? That is, could the trans be thinking it's going to fast to downshift?

Any help/opinions would be great. I am lost. Also, a definite answer about the speedo gears would help my direction.

Thanks in advance.

[SSedan64]

Even if the TCC Solenoid is new it may be sticking=bad. Or Converter Clutch Valve sticking/binding, it's in the bottom of pump also.
http://www.makcotransmissionparts.co...Rsolenoid.html

Here's a good Speedo gear calculator, just input your Info. > http://www.montess.org/speedo_gears.html
Gears
http://www.ckperformance.com/resourc...ellaneous.html

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by loyter

Also, a definite answer about the speedo gears would help my direction.

The speedo gears ARE NOT the problem, so check that off the "possibility" list.

[ericnova72]

Do you have the TCI kit wired through the 4 post brake light switch as it is supposed to be? This switch is necessary to "break" the TCC lock-up connection when you step on the brake pedal, or else the converter will not unlock and will stall the engine.

[loyter]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

Do you have the TCI kit wired through the 4 post brake light switch as it is supposed to be? This switch is necessary to "break" the TCC lock-up connection when you step on the brake pedal, or else the converter will not unlock and will stall the engine.

See, the instructions on the TCI kit said that the brake switch was optional, and that the vacuum switch was all I needed to lock it up (in overdrive only) It also said that wire could be used for a manual switch with which I could lock it up in 2nd or 3rd.

[ssmonty]

I've got a TCI 2004r in my monte and I had a problem after 1st installing it as it would stay locked up and stall the engine when I came to a stop. It has a hydraulic switch wired into the 4th gear test port that locks up the converter when it gets into 4th. I had to wire it in series with my brake light switch to get it to work correctly. You can wire a manual switch in parallel with the 4th gear switch if you want to lock it up in other gears, but you will still need to wire that through the brake switch to make it un-lock.IMHO
ssmonty

[loyter]

I'll give it a try. Thanks for the input.

If I can avoid dropping the pan and the mess that ensues, I'll be a happy guy.

[ericnova72]

Yep, what SSmonte said, and I think you should be fine.

[loyter]

Here's an update:

I wired in an interrupting circuit using a relay that kills the power to the trans when I apply the brakes. That is, when the brake light switch is closed, the power circuit to the trans is open.

It worked, and I was encouraged, but then after a couple of miles, it started back into the same old symptoms.

I called the tech line at the trans shop and they agreed that it must be a sticky TCC solenoid. They are sending one out today and I will be changing it out. I believe this will fix it.

I do find it odd that the problem seems to start as the engine warms up. But I believe the new TCC solenoid will fix it.