Very slow to go in first

[joyfil2001]

Ok so I have had this issue since I got the car. The transmission has 129K on it right now. From a dead stop if I floor the gas, the car accelerates extremely slow until about 2500rpm, then it takes off. It feels as if it is almost getting caught up around 2500rpm which is where the TC engages correct? There was another thread on here somewhere with someone who had similar problems but there were almost no responses. Every other gear the car pulls great.

[For future reference, turbochargers do not "engage".] edit: "TC" stands for torque converter here, not turbo charger.

If I try and brake boost I can only build 5psi and the same happens, it lags and then goes. I used to be able to build 20psi and the car would launch like a bat out of hell. Not anymore. I am positive I am in the right gear.

Is it time to rebuild the transmission? Could it be just the torque converter? Any advice is appreciated. I have emailed IPT and I am waiting for a response from them as well.

Car has:
FP18g, DSM chip, and all supporting mods. No mods to the tranny. Car was stock when I purchased it.

 

[HighPSI TSi Guy]

datalog the car to find out what's going on

 

[joyfil2001]

Really? What exactly should I log in this scenario? I don't think it is a timing/motor issue so I'm not sure that the log will help. I think it is more of a tranny issue.

I just found this post on IPT's website. This is exactly what I am experiencing.

IPT Performance Transmissions • View topic - Almost no power in first

I spoke with IPT. They seem to strongly believe I need a new torque converter. Time to start saving up.

 

[rush2252]

Did you ever conclude what was the issue? I have a 95 auto awd doing the same thing. Or was now it wont pull unless you rev it alot. Sometimes it slips and starts pulling like the TC isnt locking up. Problem is I cant find one listed in any of the local parts stores Autozone Oreillys etc.

Im hoping the tranny doesnt need rebuilt as I have so far been quoted around $800 for a rebuild.

The bs belt broke the last time I drove it and the car died. I almost have everything gatherd up to get it running again but my GUT feeling tells me this tranny issue is still going to be there.

Please Help!

 

[joyfil2001]

When I spoke with IPT they believed it could be a bad torque converter. I also spoke with my local performance shop for a second opinion. He also said it was probably the torque converter, but that usually something bad in the transmission would cause the torque converter to fail. He also said with such high mileage on my current trans it most certainly needs a rebuild. So I ordered a newer trans (97 GSX) new torque converter, new differential, and transfer case from a member on here for $800 shipped. Trans has 3000 miles. Another member on here had the same problem and when he replaced his trans his car drove perfectly.

 

[joyfil2001]

So I am installing my new tranny/torque converter tonight. Anybody have any good pointers for me? Do I have to drain and drop the rear differential in order to get the drive shaft out of the transfer case?

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

No, you don't have to drop the rear diff. You WILL have to remove the transfer case and the front of the driveshaft will come right out.

 

[joyfil2001]

Thanks for the quick response. So just remove the 5 or so bolts holding the transfer case to the tranny and it will pop right out?

Any other advice? I have never done a transmission before. I have a few friends coming over who have.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

That's right! No other good advice besides being organized and keeping track of everything you take off so you are sure everything gets put back the same way. Try to keep the area clean and organized and make sure you don't get to many friends helping at once. (sometimes things get misplaced/done wrong with too many hands) Good luck friend!

 

[joyfil2001]

Great thanks. Most of the guys will be there for moral support, . Only one guy will really be helping.

 

[joyfil2001]

Quick question, how much fluid do I need to buy? Also, I believe you need to fill the torque converter before mounting it on the transmission correct?

 

[joyfil2001]

UPDATE: Got the new tranny installed. Man that was a bi***! But guess what? The car won't start now. Seems that the starter isn't working at all. Does anyone know what this wire is coming off the main positive harness? I never noticed it when I removed the tranny. But when the car wouldn't start I started looking around and found this. The starter has both wires connected, and the ground wire between the starter bolt and the bell housing. Any help would be appreciated.

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The wire is black with a yellow stripe and has a plastic connector. It points towards the starter.

 

[420a-t]

Did you reconnect the little wire on the starter? Look and see. Does your car trun on, but nothing happens when you try to crank it over? Look and see if your shifter in the cabin is set at the same spot as how you hooked it up on the trans. The lever on the trans that connects the shift cable should be all the way out (furthest from the firewall) when in park. Is it?

 

[joyfil2001]

Yes the trans is set correctly. I did some research and the broken wire is the starter solenoid wire. Hence why the starter doesn't make a sound. Found it here:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/151542290-post41.html

 

[joyfil2001]

All done, FINALLY!. Car runs and drives like a dream. Shifts are solid and the power band is nice and smooth. I can't believe how much power my stock trans was robbing from the car.

 

[joyfil2001]

UPDATE: I installed the new tranny, new torque converter, and new transfer case but the car is still slow in first gear. It drives way better, and seems to have more power, but still has the laggy first gear issue. Heres the thing I am thinking may be the problem. The car has the high fuel pressure issue because it is AWD and has the saddle bag tanks. Currently my fuel pressure at idle is about 55psi. The car has a 5-speed ECU with a dsmchip set at 43psi base fuel pressure. Do you think the tune could be the issue? Will correcting the fuel pressure possibly fix my problem?

 

[DroopYeyeS]

I know this thread is rather old, but, have you checked the TCU? Sounds like limp mode.

 

[joyfil2001]

I know this thread is rather old, but, have you checked the TCU? Sounds like limp mode.

It's definately not in limp mode. Funny thing is I bought a spare TCU but never tried it out. I can get it to brake boost fine now, but still have the same issue in first. I have a Holset now which has alot more lag from a dead stop. But by ramping up the timing at low rpm I have got it a little better.

 

[1gcrazy]

Any update on a resolution? Did the TC help?