First time out with the 64 Polara

[62savoyguy2]

Got my 64 Dodge Polara registered Thursday night and took a short jaunt to get some of the bugs out. It ran good for the first half hour, then the problems came. Stopped at a light and upon start up it slipped or revved up between 2nd and drive. Tried again 3 times with the same results. Got home and applied the park lever, to open garage door, and when I pulled the lever up it would not go into any gear, like lever did not release. After about a minute it worked and I was able to get the car into the garage. Next morning, warmed up engine and checked fluid, I previously had checked it the night before, and found it full and as clean as it had just come out of the can. Now if I start it and warm it up to takes about 5 seconds before it engages in any gear. Is this trans shot, out of adjustment or ???? Not to versed on auto trans, anyone want to chime in???? Thanks.

 

[miller]

How much time is on the trans?
First, make sure fluid level is right...warmed up, motor running, check the fluid level. If it's good, what does it look like? Smell burnt? Or, might just need to be changed, with a new filter tossed in.
Or, the bands (probably) need to be adjusted, and hope they don't need to be replaced.

 

[62savoyguy2]

Do not know time on trans, but the fluid looks new, does not smell burnt and the first half hour I had the car out it shifted perfect, no problem at all. The problem started after driving for about 45 minutes. Looking for a local, reputable shop that will not take me to the cleaners and tell me how bad they "think" it is or it might be this or that. Used to be 3 or 4 real good trans places here, but have all retired. Any one out there from the Connecticut area know a good shop who is honest????? Thanks for you help..

 

[Montclaire]

I'm guessing this is a push button car, find someone in your area who knows how to adjust the linkage or get the factory manual. There should be adjustment on the shifter mechanism AND the trans side if I remember right. Can be tricky if you have never done it before.

 

[toolmanmike]

How much time is on the trans?
First, make sure fluid level is right...warmed up, motor running, check the fluid level. If it's good, what does it look like? Smell burnt? Or, might just need to be changed, with a new filter tossed in.
Or, the bands (probably) need to be adjusted, and hope they don't need to be replaced.

It should be checked warm, level, and in neutral. Fyi

 

[62savoyguy2]

Thanks for all the info guys. I had to have the trans rebuilt this past summer. Took it to a local trans shop, who knew these transmissions, and when he pulled the pan it had about an inch of gunk in the pan. Needless to say the trans was shot and in need of a rebuild. The clean trans fluid in that trans is a dead give away that whoever worked on this car knew the problem and tried to cover it up, nice try by the way.....It is now totally rebuilt, with all new parts, shift kit, and deep pan and shifts great. Not trying to blame any one in particular as I do not know the history of this car, but water under the bridge now....Thanks again..