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1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Old 05-22-2013, 12:15 AM
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1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 1994 Z28 Automatic trans car. It has some bolt on mods, frame rails, etc. Not sure about internals. My problem is this:

The car shifts from 1st to 2nd gear really quickly. It also won't kickdown when stomped to the floor (ie: from 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st). I can however manually drop the gears just fine.

Does anyone have any idea what causes this? I assume this is all electronically controlled and that I can't just adjust a kickdown linkage like I used to on my 81 z28 .

Your help is greatly appreciated!
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Old 05-22-2013, 03:13 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

It seems to work fine after a cold start. It also seems like the SES light comes on for about 5-7 seconds and then turns off before this problem occurs.
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Old 05-22-2013, 04:19 AM
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Scan for codes. I believe the tps is a big part of the transmission shifting right.


Posted from Camaroz28.com App for Android
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Old 05-22-2013, 10:42 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

I thought about that. I guess I'll have to go grab an OBDI Scanner. I'll post my results once I have done that.

Thanks!
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Old 05-28-2013, 07:49 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

most likely throttle position sensor, before you go buy an expensive scanner, try changing that out
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Old 05-28-2013, 08:21 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Originally Posted by FiestyLT1
most likely throttle position sensor, before you go buy an expensive scanner, try changing that out
Why change a part before diagnosing? Everyone needs a scanner and they are not expensive.
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Old 05-30-2013, 01:21 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

I believe it's that electric thing on the side of the trans has gone south.It regulates the shifts.very common on electric transmissions.Hope this helps.
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Old 05-30-2013, 02:44 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Check to see if you have a code for 3-2 shift timing solenoid.

Frank
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Old 06-03-2013, 01:51 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Originally Posted by shoebox
Why change a part before diagnosing? Everyone needs a scanner and they are not expensive.
scanner for an OBD1 is about $250-$400 in my area
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Old 06-03-2013, 02:36 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Advance and Autozone scan for free...

frank
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Old 06-15-2013, 09:33 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Autozone can't scan the OBDI anymore. If this 94 is like mine, the 'ol paperclip trick won't work either. By the way, those OBDI scanners that Autozone sells are just a big plastic box that essentially encases a 'paperclip'. You will have to find someone with the right cable and a laptop with the code programming in it to scan it is my guess.
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Old 06-19-2013, 05:39 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

just called autozone here in madison, they only scan on 96 or newer, i also have a 94 Z28 with some shifting issues. they said they have a scanner for 30 dollars. seems kinda cheap to me making me think its not the right scanner i need. i asked for an obd1 and thats the price they gave me. so what do you think??
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Old 06-19-2013, 07:41 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

There is a sticky on here for free scan software ... Free app
located in computer diagnostic and tuning . good for 94-95 OBD1

Last edited by parkers Z28; 06-19-2013 at 07:50 PM.
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Old 06-19-2015, 09:33 PM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

I have a 1994 z28 camaro.... on first start up the car will shift from 1st 2nd 3nd 4th fine then once i come to a stop in over drive it starts out in 3rd wont shift down unless i manually shift it down and it only goes to 2nd. Then i can shut it off for 2mins then it will shift fine untill i come to another stop then it does it all over again. Cant get the car to read a code nor know to flash the ecm... PLZ HELP IM CLUELESS.
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Old 06-20-2015, 12:37 AM
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Re: 1994 Z28 Modded LT1 Shifting Problems

Originally Posted by chrisheather94
I have a 1994 z28 camaro.... on first start up the car will shift from 1st 2nd 3nd 4th fine then once i come to a stop in over drive it starts out in 3rd wont shift down unless i manually shift it down and it only goes to 2nd. Then i can shut it off for 2mins then it will shift fine untill i come to another stop then it does it all over again. Cant get the car to read a code nor know to flash the ecm... PLZ HELP IM CLUELESS.
The trans is going into "Limp Mode". You'll have to figure out a way to get the codes out of it to see what's causing it.

Frank
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