Tranny Problem

[st1x10]

Aight I need some help. I have a t350 and it won't shift into 3rd. The 1-2 shift is pretty hard. I checked the vacuum line from the intake to the tranny modulator, it is good and attached. Has a metal line and a short piece of rubber on each end. Can somebody point me in the right direction?

[hvychve]

Sniff the fluid, Not always conclussive, but will tell you if tranny is fried, if it smells burnt or dark in color, plan on a rebuild. or drop pan and check debri lying on pan, if there is alot of mud in pan and stuff clingin to filter you mine as well not put fluid back in it, but rather start pulling bell housing bolts to have it rebuilt. There are alot of shops (trans) that have em on the shelf, 350 trans. are pretty cheap, of course you will need to give them your old one for a core . good luck. thats my guess with what info I Have.

[Longhorn Man]

Does it wind out real high before hitting 2nd?
Try driving it like a stick shift. Rev it just a little higher than it would on it's own, and slip the shifter into 2nd. Don't have the pedal down hard, just kinda cruise it, then try the same for 3rd.
If it shifts, and your vac line is in fact good on both ends then a new modulator valve would be my first step.
If it doesn't shift when you do that, i would suspect a stuck govonor weight.

[st1x10]

The fluid looked and smelled good.

Yes, it does rev super high in 1st.

Ok thanks, I will have to try that tomorrow. Does the modulator just have one bolt holding the bracket in and then just pop out?

[Black 95 TSI]

the modulator has one bolt that holds the bracket, take the bracket off and then pull the modulator off, when you install the the new one make sure you put the bracket on right.

[As2rd]

Yeah i just replaced mine, got the adjustable one from AutoZone ($15). Has a red stripe, and came with instructions on adjusting it. Also came with a new o-ring and elbow hose. Make sure your vacuum line isnt clogged or kinked.---Andy

[st1x10]

Vacuum line is not clogged or kinked, got vacuum at the modulator. Going to look a little deeper tomorrow.

[st1x10]

Aight thanks Longhorn Man, I went and drove it today to shift it manually and it would shift. I then stopped by Autozone and $10 later I had a vacuum modulator. Installed and it shifts great now. Woohoo. Also replaced the rubber parts of the hose since I was there.

[Longhorn Man]

good deal.
I like that troubleshooting meathod, anyone can do it, and you don't get dirty.