1990 244 AW70 transmission failure

[90244]

Hi everyone, a few months ago the transmission in my 1990 244 failed. I have a new car already, but I was wondering if anyone has any input, or if my transmission is just toast and needs a rebuild.


The transmission always shifted a bit hard from 1st to 2nd, which I hear is common.

Anyway, one day I started the car, drove off, and noticed it was shifting really late from 1st to 2nd and maybe to 3rd.

I got on the highway and drove home for 20+ minutes with no issues, it went through all gears normally, and overdrive worked. After that I got off of the highway, and the same thing happened, where it shifted really late. I later went on the highway again, and it wouldn't shift to 3rd again, and obviously OD wouldn't work because of that. I just find it weird that it partially failed without much warning.


Of interest the car has 256,000 miles. Also the transmission barely wants to shift to 2nd, and I had to jab the throttle multiple times

I had the car towed to my mechanic, and he basically couldn't look at it for free, but said the transmission cable was good. After that I took it to Cottman Transmission, who have a free transcheck service. They claimed the clutches inside of the transmission were bad, and the cable was good, along with the OD relay. The fluid is also fairly burnt. Cottman also wanted to charge a whopping $2250 for a full rebuild.

Any input?


Thanks.

[93Regina]

car has 256,000 miles.Any input?

AW70s transmission life is a function of:

1. Regular servicing (oil changes)

2. Character behind the wheel - Aggressive vs Passive accelerations

3. Terrain driven in

In short, the more loading placed upon transmission will shorten its lifespan.

Yes, you too could rebuild this transmission, if you have some garage space, some tools, extra time, and around $200.00+ in parts/oil.

[90244]

Thanks for the info!


Where would you recommend I buy a rebuild kit? How many hours should a rookie like myself expect to put in to it?

[93Regina]

Where would you recommend I buy a rebuild kit?

If you live near one of those pick-n-pulls, I'd just grab another AW70 transmission; you have to take engine/transmission out as a unit, unless you got special shop tools to hold engine in place, while vehicle is up on lift.

But, after reading your post again, if transmission works in 1st, or 2nd, then your kickdown cable may be stuck/broke. Kick-Down Cable Adjustment.

Kickdown Cable/Throttle Linkage
AW 70/71/72 Transmissions


Myself, I'd take off that kickdown cable at intake manifold, and see if it travels back/forth. I had an issue with "lever" inside transmission being stuck in wide open throttle position. Installed new cable, and issue went away.

[90244]

The kickdown cable appears to work normally, and Cottman confirms this.