Thread: Auto stuck in first D1 3.9 V8

Most likely crap in the govnor

The governor is sticking, let the car idle in gear[drive or reverse] for approx 5 minutes when cold and then drive off- that works for me. or your kick down cable could be way out of adjustment holding it in a low gear. This problem struck me about 6 months ago the day after a fluid flush and filter change in the box, it went away by itself after a month[but i was doing the warm up idle thing] and then returned 3 weeks ago when i did an engine change and the torque converter moved forward dropping its fluid with a subsequent topping up, this weekend just gone i replaced the 3 govenor o rings -the tranny was perfect yesterday and then took 200m to change into 2nd this morning so not happy. As the transmission fluid warms it thins and everything works- next attempt will probably be synthetic fluid.

Is the govenor accessable from out side the box or is it a box out job?

I would also look at the kick down

transfer case has to come off, its easy after that

Redrovertdi,

How long did it take to do the job mate?
Is the synthetic oil ment to make a big difference, even if you haven had this problem?
If I got the oil and filter changed and got a inline filter for the box, woulod it make it less likely to happen again?

Luke, im not an expert, in theory the synthetic is thinner when cold- my problem doesnt exist when the fluid warms and thins. synthetic is $64 for 4L so it gets expensive. If your auto box is ok and the fluid is clean i would leave it alone. My problem only started after a filter and fluid flush[trying to look after my car!], I would also like to state that this problem happens to all make of auto transmissions in different makes of car. It took me a day at my own leisurely pace.