A/T - Intermittent Second Gear Start in D2 When Cold

Number: 93-76-7A

Section: 7A

Date: JAN. 1993

Corporate Bulletin No.: 277151

ASE No.: A2

Subject:
POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT SECOND GEAR START IN D2 WHEN COLD

Model and Year:
1990-93 CAVALIER, CORSICA, BERETTA AND LUMINA
1990-93 LUMINA APV

TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS:

1990-93 HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 (RPO MD9)

TRANSMISSION MODELS:

All

SUBJECT:

Product Information-Possible Intermittent Second Gear Start in D2 When Cold

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS:

1990-93 J,L,W,U-Van With HYDRA-MATIC 3T40

CONDITION:

Some 1990-93 vehicles with HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 transaxles may intermittently start out in second gear when the gear selector is in the intermediate (D2) range, and ambient temperature is low.

CAUSE:

A pressure calibration change was made during the 1990 Model Year to enhance transaxle performance during heavy throttle operation in the intermediate (D2) range. At low ambient temperatures, transaxle fluid viscosity increases and may not exhaust quickly enough from the governor circuit to return the 1-2 shift valve to the downshifted position. This results in a second gear start.

CORRECTION:

No correction is necessary for this condition. As the transaxle warms up, fluid viscosity decreases and no longer affects the normal operation of the 1-2 shift valve. This condition does not create any durability concerns.