Freezing up here. Question on Transmission

[mhorning]

So I went out this morning to start my truck. It got down to -11 last night. Now my truck started but the transmission won't go into forward or reverse. I can feel it sort of catch in forward, but in reverse it just sits at idle. Anyone know why. I assume it will get better when it warms up. But does this mean the transmission is dying? And anyone know what I'll have to do to fix it? It's a 700R. As always. Thanks guys.

[rage'nrat638]

It's a 700R......there's your problem

[84Stepper]

Hey rage'nrat, I take your comment as you don't care for the 700, I'd like to read your comments why. I was thinking of putting one in to replace my 350c because it has no overdrive or 4th gear. Thanks.

[old Rusty C10]

mhorning my ford does the same thing it didnt do it when it was newer but with 80K on it now and constant abuse with the crap i tow it does it when its cold my advice is let it warm up good and it will work but start saving the $$$ cause one of these days the tranny is goin south permanantly

[Slonaker]

You might be low on fluid. It contracts when cold, expands when hot. Happened once on my truck. It worked fine when the weather was warm, but when the weather got cold, there wasn't enough fluid.

Once it idled a while, the fluid expanded enough that it worked again. A mechanic friend told me to make sure it was full when warm, then see if I had the same problem when it got cold again. That was at least 18 months ago. No problems since.

The 700r4 is not known for its durability. I suspect that is what raginrat was talking about. You pay more money for less durability in order to get the overdrive. That is why I am still undecided about "upgrading" to one. I can buy a lot of gas for the difference in price

Slonaker

[mhorning]

slonaker thanks for the info. I'll check it in the morning. And as far as the 700r4 goes. I've alway kind of liked them. It really has run great, but Rag'nrat, I take a 350c if your givin one away

[Bowed]

If the fluid level is OK and it probably is , then the internal seals are failing . the problem shows up first on startups at cold temps and then begins to happen at warmer temps . transmission conditioners will give some temporary help for a few months by swelling up all the seals in the trans and slowing the leakage ( usually at the pump ) but the trans will have to be rebuilt or replaced . A trans rebuilder told me the fastest temporary fix is to add 8 ounces of brake fluid to the trans and that will swell up the seals almost right away .

[mhorning]

so let's say my tranny is on the way out. There is a place up here where I can get one in a yard for about 75 bucks. The catch is that there is no guarantee it will work. They will take it back if it doesn't, but it can be a hassle. So if I decide to take the gamble. Can you guys tell me what other vehicles besides our trucks had the 700r4 in it? Up to what year should I be looking. I figure I'd try to find the one with the lowest miles. Thanks

Mike

[Opper77]

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/700R4.htm

check this out

[mhorning]

Hey thanks,

I'm checking it out now.

[jimfulco]

My '88 Tbird with AOD will slip a bit when cold at ambient temps under 25*F. if the fluid has over about 20,000 miles on it. A 4qt. fluid change has always taken care of it so far.

[86k10]

Maybe you have a stuck valve from condensation that froze in place, I know it sounds funny but it can happen. As for the 700 trans, if they are not overheated, they will outlast any 350 or 350c 2 to 1. And I have seen quite a few of both over the years from our fourwheelin club for overhauls, and most all were caused by overheating. The 700 is a good trans just a little misunderstood. The main cause of failures besides overheating is an improperly adjusted TV cable. Just my 2 cents.