700r4 won't shift.

[Capt.D]

Hey guys, I traded a bass boat for a 88 Jimmy last time I was off. I drove it about 50 miles home and it seemed ok until I got tothe Dolly Pardon bridge on 65 and it downshifted, suddenly it smoked like crazy. as soon as I go to the other side I checked everything out and discovered that the tranny doesn't have the metal cap on the stick just the rubber and it had shot some oil on the headers making the smoke. The level was still ok so I drove it the rest of the way home. It made it ok and I drove it down the road maybe twice after that and got on it 1 time and it spit fluid again, I parked it and went offshore. I just got home yesterday and took it out to drive and it will not shift out of first gear. Has first and reverse no slipping in either. I did notice (and I know it's not a passing gear cable but thats what everbody calls it) is un hooked with the plastic clip broken. I will re-connect it but guess I have to buy a new one. Any ideas where to start with this tranny, I would rather trouble shoot it before pulling it for no reason.

 

[Zeus33rd]

I'm not a auto tranny expert, but I'm pretty sure that's the TV cable. Google "700r4 tv cable adjustment"....lots of reading. Other than that, I can't really help with your problem.

And the 700r4's are well known "exploders" unfortunately. They can be built strong, but in stock form, they kinda suck. Use the search here on CK5, and read up on it. You'll see lots of "my 700r4 blew up" stories.

 

[Blue85]

That is the TV cable and you SHOULD NOT drive without it connected AND adjusted properly. Once that's done and you have a locking dipstick installed, check the fluid and try it - it might be ok.

They spit fluid because they are overfilled, too hot or plugged. It could be heat from not having the TV working.

 

[Capt.D]

I neglected to mention that while driving when I would let off the gas to slow down it would make a weird noise. Almost grinding made me think of the compression braking of a semi, I could feel it in the truck. Any ideas on this...thinking a rebuild is in my future....

 

[nvrenuf]

My bet would be noise from a driveshaft vibration created by the lift.

 

[Capt.D]

Maybe but when I ask the previous owner he said it had started not long ago. Not sure but tomorrow I'll check u joints and see how tight the tail shaft is.

 

[static1]

Yeah def get the tv cable adjusted. If you ar going to do a rebuild this is a cool site for beefing up trannys esp the 700r4. eatmyshift dot com. They sell complete rebuild kits and all sorts of cool stuff. Good luck im gonna have a rebuild headed my way soon as well.

 

[Capt.D]

Well my tv cable came..I started to install it and when I removed the other one a LOT of tranny fluid came out...I mean a lot....I let it drain then installed and adjusted the cable and it still doesn't shift. I don't know if the dip stick is the correct one so I will order a new on Monday. I need it anyways due to the metal lid being missing. I wonder if it was too full I was not expecting a bunch of fluid leaking. Later today I plan on checking the gov. If the gov doesn't work I guess I will be pulling it next time I come in.