Topic: transmision starts late

[65musti]

hello guys.

i have a small problem with my C4. i put into drive or R and i have to wait like 10-15 seconds before it starts going, its a bit anoying. apart of that it works perfect.
i assume its an adjustment issue...? it used to be better
but what has to be adjusted? and how?

i searched the FAQs and i didn't find the right thing. i dont really know what i'm looking for so its hard to find it.

thanks for answers!

[Soaring]

Make sure it is full of fluid to begin with.  If it is, then maybe your bands need tightening.  I have an article in the FAQ that explains how to tighten them without taking the transmission out of the car.  Go to the transmission section to find it.  I believe it is still there, but if not, then get back. 
On edit:  Sometimes these articles and answers get lost in Cyber land, but it is still there.  Here it is......

Intermediate band is the front one with adjusting nut on the drivers side.

Low reverse band is the rear most one with the adjusting nut on the passenger side.

For everyone else who might consider doing it also.

Adjustment procedure:

INTERMEDIATE BAND
1: remove and discard locknut and install a new one (more than just a good idea here folks)
2: torque adjusting screw to 10ftlbs. (thats the one inside the nut, not the nut itself)
3: Back off adjusting screw exactly
a. 1 1/2 turns on 1964 C4
b. 1 3/4 turns on 1965-1981 C4
c
4: Hold adjusting screw from turning and tighten locknut


LOW REVERSE BAND
1: loosen lock nut several turns
2: torque adjusting screw to 10ftlbs
3: Back off adjusting screw 3 full turns
4: hold adjusting screw from turning and tighten lock nut


10 ftlbs isnt very much so you will need a very small ftlb torque wrench. If you can find one that has both inch lbs and ftlbs on it, that would be the one to use.
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[65musti]

cool, i will check it out

thanks

[Tim175]

My trucks C6 does this too, but only in D and only when its cold, if its warm it works perfectly. Do i need to adjust the bands or is it another problem?

[Soaring]

Try adjusting the intermediate bands first.  If that doesn't fix it, and the fluid level is full, then you might want to take it to a transmission shop.   It could be any manner of worn out parts. 

[65musti]

in my case it was the fluid, there was 1 litre missing(not easy to get the F type one in where i live).
i'm planning to change it completly once i get gaskets and filter.

it seemed to me it was leaking out thru a gap of a missing inspection plate, is it possible?

how much fluid do i need for a C4 transmission??

[66GTKFB]

You need 8 3/4 quarts of type "F" AT fluid - don't mix types. I don't know why, just don't. There is no way to completly remove all the old fluid without removing the torque converter and pouring it's contents out. In a normal fluid change, less will be used. The bottom line is to check the level. The gap in the inspection plate is normal. It gives you access to remove the 4 nuts from the flex plate to the torque converter to pull the engine.
Jim

[Tim175]

What he said

[65musti]

ok cool...
but how many litres(or gallons) is 8 3/4 quarts, unless it takes over 8 litres of fluid
i know the gap is normal, but the inspection plate was missing, can the fluid leak out thru that gap when the insp. plate is missing?

peace

[Soaring]

No, you won't leak through the inspection plate if it is removed.  There is another way to get the fluid from the converter.  Buy about 12 quarts of fluid, then get a big bottle and a clear plastic tube.  Take the transmission cooler line loose and run that into the big bottle by attaching it to the clear plastic tube.  Start the car and put it in drive while you have your foot on the brake.  Have someone watch the fluid level carefully and do not drain it all.  Maybe 4 quarts.  Stop the engine and add enough quarts of fluid to the system to get it full.  Start the engine again, and put it in drive.  Repeat this until you have used up all the 12 quarts.  Now, this method is assuming you have a transmission cooler line.  If not, then follow Jim's advice and take the converter off and drain it. 
A liter is approximately the same as a quart.  .96 I believe.  1 liter equals 1.05668821 quart.  So, damn near the same. 

[65musti]

alrite, thats probably all i needed to know( for the moment)

thanks

[Tim175]

Forgot to tell my results. Ok well i checked the fluid level. Fluid looked good, and was like a 1/32" too full on the dipstick so i don't think that's an issue. The transmission only has around 5k on a rebuild with all new hard and soft parts, all performance with a racing valve body shift kit everything and has a trans cooler. I don't know what it is but the transmission seems to work just fine other than the starting when cold issue and only in D so i don't know i guess ill just drive it like that haha.

[Soaring]

Did you tighten the bands?  Especially the intermediate bands? 

[65musti]

mine seems to work ok after i topped up.

i ordered a filter and pan gasket to sort out the small leaking problem.
if i take off the pan, will all the fluid pour out? is that another way to change all of the fluid?

cheers

[66GTKFB]

Dzien Dobry,
 That's about the extent of my Polish. As to your transmission, there is no drain on a standard C4, you remove the pan over a large tray to catch the fluid. Some performance pans have a drain however. It's messy. Don't try to reuse any fluid as it may be contaminated.
Jim

[Soaring]

Yeah, Like Jim said, to drain the pan it will be messy.  Get a large pan to catch the fluid after taking off the pan.  Read my former post on how to drain the converter as well. 

[6mustang6]

Ok Musti, I dont understand why anyone hasnt said this to you yet, but where the fluid is coming out, it sounds like your front pump seal is leaking. You should replace it.

[65musti]

ok good to know ...

i will let you all know how i got on, i'll be no sooner than 2/3 weeks

thanks