transmission

[Mikey]

Hi just bought an 1983 Scottsdale 4x4 Pickup.....less than 100k miles on it.....drove it about 30miles heading to DMV place to get license tags.....pulled out on 4-lane got up to about 20mph and seemed to fly out out gear (automatic trans).....wouldn't do anything until I shut off motor and restarted it, then it would go, for a short distance and fly out again......tried it in all gears.....always would start working after restarting the engine , but couple of hundred feet and go into neutral or stop going,any suggestions ?...........tried it out  two days ago, no problem, owner drove it last night (about 20 miles) no problems and then I bought it this morning and half way to dmv and it started acting up....had to have it towed to garage.....thanks

[olds455]

dang that is wierd, I would check the normal...fluid, tranny/converter bolts.  But it sounds like fluid problems...ie not getting any!!!!  plugged filter or pump failing

I would put a pressure gauge on it and see what the heck is the problem.  I had a car once that would suck up the plugged filter screen and freewheel then I shut it off and the screen would fall back down and I could go, for a few more feet and plug....

ed

[jimfulco]

This is probably old news by now, but I bought a 78 C-10 that did the same thing.  The trans filter was plugged with about 1/4 inch of goo.  A clean filter and new fluid fixed it.

[RSBAD454]

make sure the fluid doesnt look burned or smell burned, cause if it does and you change it.......kiss the tranny good bye. Trannies dont like new fluid once its been burned. Yes do check the level of fluid............

Toys are my game