Hey all,
I have a 1996 Base Convertible with the 3800 v6, 4l60e automatic

I have a few questions to hopefully figure out if my transmission is having issues due to a PCM issue or a true tranny fault.

Let me run down the scenario that led to this:

• Originally the car would go into gear after being at about 2k rpm
• The car would run fine after doing the above for about a quarter mile.
• The problem did escalate, and I actually had to leave the car in gear without moving for about 5 mins before I could actually get it to move. I also had to do the 2k rpm for five minute deal here.
• Eventually the reverse gear completely gave out, and it now acts as somewhat of an extra "Park"
• The car also never gets to the point that I don't have to rev it to move.
• When towed out of it's final resting place, a puddle of transmission fluid (and I mean a BIG puddle) was sitting underneath.

I feel like that alone is a decent indicator that the tranny has bitten the dust, but I am more than welcome to second opinions against a rebuild/replace.

I have also read the service manual, and see that these two causes are the same between my main two problems:

Spacer plate or gaskets incorrect, mispositioned or damaged.
Turbine shaft seals missing, cut .or damaged.

Any easy way to test these without pulling the tranny? I live in an apartment complex so the less I have to remove from the car, the better. I am still willing to drop the trans myself though.

Thank you all in advance.

 

trans is toast

 

Clutches are now shot, You had low line pressure to start with, and that can be caused by something minor or major, but now the clutches are shot, Time for a rebuild and with the age you are talking a full master kit+ anything else they find. If you drop the pan you will see black soot in the fluid, that's your clutches

 

 

not up on trans, I would think the 3.8 auto trans would be same 96 up but plugins for computer must be different. maybe call a trans shop and see if they will talk with you about it.

 

From what I found the 95 is different electronically and the 98 is physically different. 96, 97 are your only direct bolt in options. Now if you feel brave you take the insides from the 98 and put them in the 96 but there are a lot of things that can go wrong. All my Camaros are sticks so I have no first hand knowledge.

http://car-part.com/

 

 

Sure,If you pick on the above link and search for your car and parts. In the listing of the direct fit parts it will show you the car and year it would be coming off of. I use in the reverse to see was compatible. In your case 96-97 firebirds do show up on the list, but there are no 95s or 98s do.

 

If you pick on the above link and search for your car and parts. In the listing of the direct fit parts it will show you the car and year it would be coming off of. I use in the reverse to see was compatible. In your case 96-97 firebirds do show up on the list, but there are no 95s or 98s do.