[Hairman]

Hey could someone provide some tips or thoughts on why or where to start? Again, everything was good I thought and anxious to get out driving. Until, I started and no response or movement in 1,2,,3 - ONLY REVERSE - working?
Hoping that points to something more external and not a sign of tranny doom!? Any help is much appreciated, super bummed I can't enjoy it now with break in the weather.

Also, any thoughts on what TO do or NOT do related to troubleshooting?

Thank you!!!

 

[Jim Mesthene]

If 5th gear works too, check the Circlip on the splined, sliding sleeve behind the 5th gear (foremost) Transmission side cover. They sometimes fail, causing those symptoms.

 

[B202NUT]

my consensus is the forum is kinda meek on auto box help;my recently aquired autobox will visit the transmission specialist for issues that arise. I have heard of some cable that can be adjusted, and or some potential gear box/shifter linkage you can check but each time i have seen past posts regarding an autobox the responses are very few and hypothetical at best...

Good luck!

I never understood why these auto boxes are such a big mystery; I recall following my wife into Aamco transmission shop with her blazer and they guy almost soiled himself when he saw the Saab pull in. he explained he had installed 1 Saab auto box and he vowed never to do one again; he told me he was preparing to turn me away. The he realized the GM only needed some solenoids replaced, he smiled....

 

[Hairman]

If 5th gear works too, check the Circlip on the splined, sliding sleeve behind the 5th gear (foremost) Transmission side cover. They sometimes fail, causing those symptoms.

Its AUTOMATIC - so only working with 1,2,3...etc. The car does nothing when either is engaged - you only hear rev of engine but clicking into REVERSE I moves fine. Tough to drive around in REVERSE - neighbors wondering?
thoughts? btw - thank you.

 

[Hairman]

my consensus is the forum is kinda meek on auto box help;my recently aquired autobox will visit the transmission specialist for issues that arise. I have heard of some cable that can be adjusted, and or some potential gear box/shifter linkage you can check but each time i have seen past posts regarding an autobox the responses are very few and hypothetical at best...

Good luck!

I never understood why these auto boxes are such a big mystery; I recall following my wife into Aamco transmission shop with her blazer and they guy almost soiled himself when he saw the Saab pull in. he explained he had installed 1 Saab auto box and he vowed never to do one again; he told me he was preparing to turn me away. The he realized the GM only needed some solenoids replaced, he smiled....

Yeah I'm starting to see that when looking for solutions - that worked. The local shops just look at me and talk doom and gloom. They want nothing to do with it! I'm far from that mode yet - but getting worried!!!

 

[B202NUT]

Its AUTOMATIC - so only working with 1,2,3...etc. The car does nothing when either is engaged - you only hear rev of engine but clicking into REVERSE I moves fine. Tough to drive around in REVERSE - neighbors wondering?
thoughts? btw - thank you.

be smart; take it to a shop....

 

[eggsngrits]

I never understood why these auto boxes are such a big mystery; I recall following my wife into Aamco transmission shop with her blazer and they guy almost soiled himself when he saw the Saab pull in. he explained he had installed 1 Saab auto box and he vowed never to do one again; he told me he was preparing to turn me away. The he realized the GM only needed some solenoids replaced, he smiled....

I don't think they are a huge mystery, but I DO think they are unprofitable for most transmission shops.

I think there is little on the board about them because most of us are enthusiasts, and we tend to favor the 5-speed. Four years or so ago I recall one guy from Connecticut being the resident auto trans expert.

Edit: I remembered the guy's user name: ProfZ. Look him up, he was the guru. Good luck.

 

[Hairman]

thanks for your thoughts and I agree - only one 5 speed in my mini fleet and never an issue with AUTO so it's a bit frustrating no doubt! thanks again! I'm calling a few shops tomorrow! I love em' so I must continue marching forward! Starting to like the 5 speed even more but not a convertible! Take care.

 

[James Bond]

Sympathy!

There is an answer somewhere here - definitely look for posts by ProfZ and have a good read.

 

[Hairman]

Thank you! I have defended these cars many of times and will always stand behind them - just hoping for some ammo or something??? Thanks again - later.

 

[Jim Mesthene]

I don't think they are a huge mystery, but I DO think they are unprofitable for most transmission shops.

That's right. It's just a Borg-Warner 37 (mid-size Ford from the '70s) in SAAB's case; nothing tricky.
Loss of forward gears while reverse still works perfectly is usually caused by a bad Front Clutch (read: overhaul). Anyone familiar with automatic transmissions should be able to confirm that in a few minutes.
Other causes such as Front Pump, clogged pick-up screen, low fluid etc. will affect reverse also.

Edit: I should say "Other common causes....'.
A failed or very badly adjusted Servo could cause that, but Servos rarely fail, and adjustments don't get bad overnight. There's always a remote possibility of a sticky valve in the Valve Body, but that's also very rare. There are a handful of other possibilities that are equally improbable. Don't waste money on adjustments or fluid changes unless there's some hope. Have someone who isn't scared of BW 37s give you an educated opinion first.

 

[crwchf01]

That's right. It's just a Borg-Warner 37 (mid-size Ford from the '70s) in SAAB's case; nothing tricky.
Loss of forward gears while reverse still works perfectly is usually caused by a bad Front Clutch (read: overhaul). Anyone familiar with automatic transmissions should be able to confirm that in a few minutes.
Other causes such as Front Pump, clogged pick-up screen, low fluid etc. will affect reverse also.

Edit: I should say "Other common causes....'.
A failed or very badly adjusted Servo could cause that, but Servos rarely fail, and adjustments don't get bad overnight. There's always a remote possibility of a sticky valve in the Valve Body, but that's also very rare. There are a handful of other possibilities that are equally improbable. Don't waste money on adjustments or fluid changes unless there's some hope. Have someone who isn't scared of BW 37s give you an educated opinion first.

Don't forget the possibility of ruined clutches from using DEXRON or MERCON class fluids rather than FORD type. Can't always tell who serviced the transmission with what previously.