[R0b_]

I'm doing a manual to automatic swap in my old NX2K (so I can use the manual stuff in the project car)


The automatic tranny is finally installed, all wiring swap done except for just the underdash stuff.

The car cranks, idles and runs (not perfectly), but when I put it in gear (any gear) it does nothing.

I jacked the front end up, and if I put it in gear and barely hit the gas, the wheels will start to move just a bit, then stop. If I rev the engine, it does nothing, the wheels only move (and then just barely for a second) if the RPMs are just a bit over idle.

Shift cable is connected at both ends, shift knob does move the shift selector on the transmission.

Fluid level is fine, does anyone have an idea??

 

[evilsr20degg]

buy my 5sp manual ::cough cough:: and put it in that. it may have something to do with the wires that arent connected...do automatics have clutch type things?? maybe that would be bad??

 

[totaled200ser]

check to make sure that the axle is splined in with the tranny all the way, if not it will do that, i hope you didn't ruin the tranny doing this

 

[MauiBlueGride]

did you put the proper amount of fluid back into the tranny? it takes like 7 or 8 qts if I remember, an also hope it was ATF lol..
I know that the torque convertor has to be like locked onto the tranny shaft, and you should also fill it with fluid first before putting it on... problems there?

Chris

 

[James]

are you running an automatic ecu?

 

[R0b_]

Yes, auto ECU was used. The full electrical system (EVERYTHING) is now moved from the project to the "new" automatic. I didn't have the AT ECU installed when this thread started (didn't know there was one, it was hidden in the driver's kickpanel).

Anyway, all that work, still no good, no changes at all in the original symptoms.

I think I'm going to have to pull the tranny, then put the torque converter on the transaxle first, then install the whole assembly to the engine (amazing what the FSM says to do when you check it after the fact).

Are you sure about filling the torque converter with ATF first prior to installation? I didn't do that, I thought it would fill from the 7 1/2 quarts I put in the tranny. That could be it as well.

The axles are all the way in.

It's like it just doesn't grab at all. last night around 2am when I finished all the underdash stuff I tried it again, and this time tried spinning the wheels with it in park. The wheels did move, with some resistance. In gear they move as well, forwards or backwards regardless of gear, fairly free-spinning.

 

[totaled200ser]

you need to fill the torque converter and the tranny, without fluid its alsmost like not having a clutch disc. the fluid is the coupler, not the solid piece like in a manual. that is your problem

 

[R0b_]

heh.. anyway to do that without pulling everything completely off?

Fill it how? Just pull it off, and pour in ATF where the transaxle spline is?
Anyone know how MUCH ATF to put in it? Seems like it would only really hold 1/2 full so when it is installed the fluid doesn't fall out the center hole (where it mounts to the transaxle)

 

[eggman]

what was the outcome of this,rob?My auto just seemed to go into "permanent neutral" while cruising at 60 mph recently. The car runs fine,fluid is full,etc.,but will not move in any gear.

 

[R0b_]

An update for future searchers (since I was asked today).

My problem was the way I installed the tranny. I just put it on by like you would a MT. That's the wrong way to do it.

You actually have to put the torque converter on the tranny first, then pop on the tranny and bolt the converter to the flexplate after it is installed.

When I put the whole thing on together it was off a tiny bit, and I wound up breaking off the oil pump key, which I only found by removing everything and closely inspecting the tranny.. I actually bought a used auto tranny from someone else who did the swap, but it was a slightly different model so I gutted it and removed the oil pump and swapped it into my transmission. Re-assembly via the FSM instructions and it worked fine.

 

[SR20 Inside]

So you are supposed to fill the torque converter with fluid prior to installation? How many quarts all together is it supposed to take?