I am new in this forum. Recently I bought a 85 max wagon. This morning I woke up with frost on my lawn, and then when I drove on highway, the overdrive did not kick in. After the engine is a little warmer, the overdrive kicked in, but the overdrive will going on and off while the speed is the same with the same throttle position. Does anyone have any suggestion how to fix this problem?

First off, the auto-tragics in our cars will not shift into O/D until your car has warmed up enough for the temp gauge to read on the second or third mark, if I remember right.

The O/D is not a true a O/D unit...it is an electronically controlled lock-up torque converter.

So I guess I do not have to do anything, right?
I have another question about transmission. How do I do a transmission service on 85 max wagon? Do I just drain it and refill the fluids? Is there a filter?

Drain and fill...these tranny's are weak, so do NOT pressure flush them. And the filter is not servicable...it is sealed within the case, and can only be changed during a complete tear-down.

Thanks MaxWgn.

That's what we're here for...or, what we pretend to be here for, at least...

I found the Motor Vehicle Specification in the library for 85 Max. It stated there are 4 gears for automatic transmission. I can send a electronic copy to anyone interested. With that stated, what could be wrong with my transmission?

With the tranny dropping in and out of O/D, it could be the converter, the O/D switch, the temp sensor that tells the tranny it's OK to shift into O/D. If the tranny feels like it's slipping, though...then you're going to need a complete rebuild...or a replacement trans...

Sorry, but that's not fun or cheap...

Yeah, you want to check to see if it does indeed slip. If it is, it's time to do a 5-speed swap.

The transmission is not slipping. I will try to fix the cheapest thing possible, which is changing the tran fluids. I will keep you guys updated with my experiment.

I asked the guy sold me the wagon about when was the last time he changed the trans fluids. He said in 1999. I guees no matter what, it is TIME to change the trans fluids anyway.

When mine did that, it was because I burnt...well scorched really..the torque converter going 70 in 2nd. I hadnt driven it in a while, and I drive her like a manual for better acceleration (I have a diesel), and so I developed a shift kit...plus it was very incosistent with 3rd gear...like yours and 4th. If you do a 5 speed swap (much reccomended) and cant find the pedals, a girl here might be parting one out (87) and if you find 1st gen pedals for 5 speed let me know. I will pull yours for you, pay shipping for both, and give you like $15 for labor. Note: I am desparately looking for pedals for my car.

I changed the ATF twice over the weekend, the problem still excist. Any other suggestion?

I changed the ATF twice last week, it should have most of the old fluids out. I put in AMSOIL synthetic ATF. I tried to run the wagon in the morning, and the 4th gear still not kicked in after the temp reach first mark. Anyways, I saw some sand-sized metallic chips at the first ATF change. I hope this is "normal" wear and tear, any thoughts?

Actually, I believe the temp gauge needs to be closer to the mid mark before it actually shifts into overdrive. As for metal shavings, was there a lot in there? It's normal to have a little bit in there, but if there is a really high amount, then you might have a problem.

S

i say....who cares its an old car :P