OT: Wrangler auto trans diagnosis

[AM Woody]

Sorry for the spam, but it is a Jeep and a Torqueflite, so maybe not a total waste. I haven't had much luck with the YJ Wrangler crowd for tech support. Seems all they know and/or talk about is lift kits and chrome accesories. This group always has great tech advice so I thought I'd post here.

I'm looking for some intelligent troubleshooting advice on my "new" '94 Wrangler 2.5L with 904 trans (at least according to one site it's a 904, numbers off the pan rail are: 4 PK5211.)

The main problem is the 2-3 upshift. The behavior is erratic, no consistent patterns in terms of temp, speed, or throttle input. It will sometimes not shift out of second at all. If it does it will slip for short or rather lengthy periods of time. If it slips briefly it seems like runaway. If it slips for a few seconds, I don't know if that's considered runaway in the traditional sense of the word; it sometimes sticks there and doesn't upshift at all, back off the throttle and it goes back to second.

It has 82K miles, the fluid is full and normal looking/smelling. The PO is a friend and didn't mention the problem. He let it sit for 6 or 8 months with a fuel injection problem I have resolved. I've only driven it 40 miles total so far. Trans acts fine otherwise, except for occasional delayed engagement going into reverse, either hot or cold.

So, what is controlling the 2-3 upshift? What can I check? I'm not scared of getting it rebuilt, but if it comes to that is there anything
in particular I should be looking at?

Thanks for any advice,
Andy

[robselina]

well, this problem and the slow shift into reverse make me think it's pressure related. Are you positive you're not low on fluid? You have to check it in neutral, not park....if level is good, then I'd probably check my filter next, since that could be restricting flow...

[gsmikie]

adjust the bands

[AM Woody]

Okay, double checked: fluid is about 1/2 quart overfull.

So, I'll drop the pan and do a fluid/filter change and adjust the bands. Know any sites where I can properly ID this trans and thereby get the proper band adjusting specs?

Thanks!!

[gsmikie]

http://www.tciauto.com/tci/site_map.htm

[AM Woody]

I finally adjusted the bands, and changed the fluid and filter the other week. No change in behavior. There were some shavings in the filter.

According to the FSM (someone elses), this is a 30RH transmission. I'm having a hard time finding anything out about this transmission from doing web searches. I'm sort of gleaning that is essentially the same as a 904, but with a lockup torque converter. Anyone know if it's true?

I ask because I have a friend who does early Torqueflites and Powerflites, up to 727 and 904. He's not hip on the later numbering system. If this thing isn't much different than a 904, he can rebuild it for me cheap!

[2ndtimearround]

Check out the transmission section on http://www.jeeptech.com/wiki/index.php/Main

Lawrence

[SVO42]

Maybe a servo (intermediate/front) or vacuum modulator?

[hagar]

based on your description I would guess a problem with the output shaft support or govenor support.
I have seen vehicles with your symptoms; upon disassembly of troubled units, have found very deep grooves worn into these housings where the sealing rings ride. Might be okay for first couple of shifts when cold but once warmed up, would do what you describe.
You can leave the trans in the vehicle for this, but have to remove transfer case and adapter for govenor and/or housing inspection
e-guess for trans e-repair