I run a 1984 auto which now and again wont shift up to 3rd. The auto box does a really smooth gear shift and it's only by looking at the revs that you realise there is sometimes a problem. However, if I toggle quickly between Drive and Neutral the box sorts itself out and the car is ok for the rest of the journey. The ATF is always at the correct level and I don't hear any transmission noise. Hoping someone can help Gary B - 26th March, 2001
I had a similar sounding problem to you (although I hope mine was more serious...) I've got an '86 Auto with about 120,000 miles, which also started to hold gears for too long, eventually resulting in sticking in second long term. I was on my way to my local OPC when the gearbox let go completely, and I couldn't get drive... or anything else for that matter. I had the car towed (well transported by the AA) to Arlingtons who had a look at the 'box. There's a filter inside which gets gummed up and stops the ATF flowing properly, so that was cleaned and new fluid put in. Unfortunately the car was no better, and Arlingtons suggested that the gearbox was basically shot. They estimated that a replacement 'box would cost around £4000 (through them) excluding fitting, and in all fairness gave the definite impression that it wasn't worth me getting them to fix it. The car was them towed to a local automatic gearbox specialist who rebuilt the 'box with new seals etc etc for £1000. I would suggest that you contact you local OPC or a specialist auto gearbox company and see what they think may be the problem. Regards Derek T - 27th March, 2001