90 Q45 Haunted Transmission

[jonseyq45]

Just bought the Q. During first drive the car would not shift. Found by backing off the throttle slightly if t would shift into next gear. It would also down shift at the slightest grade or load. Talked to a transmission shop, his suggestion check TPS. I have it rotated foward as far as it will go and it is now shifting, not great but shifting. Also takes a long time to go into 4Th and at any incline backs down to third. It pulls hard when in gear, no slippage noticed. It apperas to start in 1st and then almost seems to go into 3rd when accelerating on any thing other than a light pedal. Only once did it seem to go into 2nd than back to first (first shift of the morning)

Things I have done; Adjusted TPS Flushed transmission (not drain and refill) Replaced screen and added suggested Red lube Adjusted kickdown switch at the pedal inside Checked connectors at the rear of the transmission (underneath)

Vehicle: 1990 Q45 Miles: 162,000 Condition: 9/10

No unsual noises, starts and runs great. I have not checked the voltage at the TPS yet. I will do that this evening.

Thanks for any helpSam Jones cell 360-566-7476 if you want to call me

[Kiven422]

Since I can't personally look and drive your car my best guess would be to make sure you have the correct about of transmission fluid. When mine was low (used to NOT CARE about maintenance) the transmission would shift hard... it would not shift easy out of 1st sometimes going up to 4000RPMs and as you say I had to "back off" to let it shift. Just topping it off fixed the issue.

On cold mornings I have to put it in 3rd instead of D. Because without a warmup it just wont shift into D.

But honestly it sounds like your transmission is in good condition so I dont know what to say.

[maxnix]

Yes, which fluid, and what did the old fluid look and smell like?

Read the timing chain guide article?

No auxiliary ATF cooler? 160K may well be its life.

Run the diagnostics in the FSM and report back, please.