Transmission Problem

[kicksock]

In the past month, I've had an intermittent issue engaging reverse on my '93 SSE from a cold start. It shifts just fine but the transmission won't engage until I either gently give it some gas (results in a bad sounding clunk but I start rolling) or let the engine warm up about 15 - 30 seconds and then shift into reverse. Otherwise, it shifts perfectly fine once out on the road and more often than not, it shifts into reverse normally from cold starts, too. The fluid level is perfect (dead center in the dipstick safe area). The car has 145K and I had the transmission flushed about 10 years ago. Judging from other posts, it seems like it might be a low pressure problem from a dirty filter or similar. Can anyone suggest some stuff to check? I'm hoping it's something simple (and cheap). Thanks!

[94SilverSSEi]

Try running some Lucas trans fix in it. I swear by that stuff and its only like $8-10 a bottle and I dont think you have to drain any out either. Im pretty sure you can just add it to whats in there otherwise you may want to try changning the filter and fluid

[myfirstbonnie]

Have you ever replaced the modulator? When you switch to reverse, it is supposed to go to full line pressure. Normally they fail and cause a slam into reverse. hey are fairly cheap and easy to replace.

[J Wikoff]

You can test the vacuum modulator by removing it (easy, one vacuum line, and one bolt), and hold it so the vacuum port is pointing down. If fluid comes out the vacuum port, the diaphragm is bad. If fluid doesn't come out, the modulator isn't necessarily good, though. They are cheap to replace ($15 or so) and are usually adjustable.

[kicksock]

Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about the moulator - I'll have to check it out.