Auto Trans Whine

Decided to drive my '89 LeBaron with A413 auto for a few days last week. Hasn't been out of the yard in a year or so, less than 2000 miles total in the last 5 years. When cold and reversing out of the driveway, trans seems to slip, then grab with more RPMs. Also when cold, does not upshift into 3rd until 40 mph or so. It's done this for a couple years now, once warm it shifts and reverses fine, so I didn't worry too much about it.

After a couple days of use, maybe 60 miles, the trans now is whining. Sounds almost identical to a power steering whine when you're low on fluid and changes tone with more revs. Any thoughts? Could these symptoms point to torque converter, will a converter whine? What else could cause a whine? Thanks for any advice.

Randy

Low on fluid?

Fluid level is good.

Mostly it's the the pump that whines and this could indicate a plugged filter.

I've brought lots of old soggy, whinny trans. back to life with flush, fresh fluid and filter.

Always had best results with type F.

Thanks
Randy

I agree with Randy on the restricted filter idea. I might add that reverse and 3rd gear share the front clutch pack. Slipping in reverse and late shifting into high gear probably indicate a leaking seal in that clutch pack. When you change the filter cut the old one open and make sure its not full of clutch material. If its not and there isn't much trash in the pan you might want to add some name brand seal conditioner to the fluid to put some life back into those seals. They might be hard from all the sitting around. Also its common that the kick down lever will stick in the case since it sits under the battery and will cause high shifting into 3 gear. Move the lever with your hand and make sure it moves smoothly from stop to stop. Randy #3

Good point on the kickdown lever Randy!!

Randy, it has to move independently of the shift lever shaft that it fits inside of.

3 guys with girls names talking trannys, has to be a joke in there somewhere but I'll leave it alone!!


Thanks
Randy

I recommend you not driving it until you fix it. You can burn up clutches, bands and pumps by driving it with low pressure.

Whining in an auto usually indicates a bad front pump.