Auto trans problem
 

i am looking at an rx7 for a friend and the only problem with the car is that you have to let the rpms drop before it shifts into 2nd gear... he says its a vac or solenoid problem but is not sure... i know nothing about the auto trans... any help is greatly appreciated

trans
 

I have a worked trans and convertor for 500.00 plus shipping if needed

Tell him to look for manual or convert

ive got an auto tranny with only 5k miles that i had bought brand new from the dealer. it has a modified torque converter with 3k stall. sellin for 1k.

Look this is not a WTB thread lol... I just would Like to know if anyone has had this problem or if they know what the problem is...
An he will most likely swap for a 5 speed but for the time being he wants to know what could be the problem.

There seems to be an extreme lack of knowledge about the Automatics around here. Not many people know what to do with them and mostly you will just get the response to "swap it."

Are there any codes displayed for this problem you are having?

What happens if you don't let the rpms drop before it shifts into second? If it slips then its an internal wear problem with friction parts, clutches, bands, etc. - rebuild

If it just won't shift until you let rpm drop it could be something else that might not necessarily indicate a full rebuild is required. I think that unit is electronically controlled, so if it is just with second gear it could be a solenoid or a valve in the valve body, control unit, etc? It is possible in such case but I can't say for sure and should add that I don't have any experience with that transmission.

If it just does this when the car is cold I would be suspicious that something in the trans has failed, put particles in the fluid and is causing it to hang up and not shift.

But either way, he is selling an automatic which is less desirable that doesn't even perform properly. That justifies big discounts. If he is telling you, oh people just convert them, I don't think many people do, some but not many because of $ and time involved. Same for you - big discount.

How many miles on the car? Unless car is very low mileage like < 80K, it could be argued to the seller that it could need full rebuild anytime now. Any day a clutch or band could start slipping.

The car just continues to stay in that gear if the rpms don't drop... It does not slip... It goes through the rest of the gears with no problem...Sounds like a vac or solenoid problem. Thanks

Can you force the shift to second by pressing the hold button in L and then moving the stick to S?

There are a number of things this could be, I've spent a while looking at your symptoms in the Service Manual. Being a fan of the automatic and understanding it really isn't the heinous beast most people think it is, I would really like to try to help you here.

Do you have a factory Service Manual handy? One can be found here on the forum if memory serves....

Pg. K201 describes a few things regarding 'abnormal shift' that you can check out. The most likely culprits are:
1.) Throttle sensor malfunction
2.) Engine RPM signal malfunction
3.) SPEED SENSOR 1 malfunction
4.) A/C signal malfunction.

I would ask the guy point blank about this problem and get as much info as possible. How long has it been a problem? How long has the seller had the car? Has it ever had any work done on it? If so, by who? Qualified service tech or shade-tree hack?