I do not know if I am missing something. My 87 RX is a GXL Model. I recently changed the transmission filter and the transmission fluid. But I am having the problem that it will not go into reverse and it will not shift into any gears. It stays in first gear. The engine runs great and the car is in good condition and I feel that I am just missing a cable or sensor or something. Maybe the computer is trashed and it will not tell the tranny when to shift. If anyone has any ideas they will be welcome.

 

Its automatic ?

 

The automatic transmission in a 2nd gen. isn't controlled by a computer. It's vacuum controlled. Are you sure that's all you did to it?

 

I'm not trying to prove the Ace wrong... but according to the Haynes manual, the second gen DOES have an auto transmission computer (page 270, referenced as "Automatic transmission control unit", located on passenger side). I don't have an auto in mine, so I can't be too sure. I'll check the 88 FSM for confirmation tho.



One other possibility is the fluid that was used. The more recent auto transmissions are VERY tempremental when it comes to the fluid. Symptoms of this are identical to what was described.



- Arcane

 

The 89-91's have that hold feature, but 86-88's don't have anything like that. I don't have a manual to make sure about the vacuum control because they're all with friends.

 

Well, my dad used to have an 85 automatic, dont know if its or not similar to the 87. And he had a similar problem with it not shifting. I believe it was a fuse or a solenoid/sensor that was bad. Il ask him and let u know.

 

I have been away from the car for a while. Sometimes you just need a break. I turned the car on today and drove her around the block. I sat her in front of the house and she started to smoke. I found a leak in the trans. I can not tell if it is a large or small or exactly where it is coming from, but it is leaking. It drips tranny fluid onto the exhaust pipe and poof theres my smoking. I will be looking into this on Monday, does anyone know if this would cause the tranny not to shift?

Thanks