[2tone66]

Hello everyone! Here's my issues and a short backstory.
We have a 66 Malibu with the cheapest crate engine made, a former bowtie overdrive 700r4, I say former because it was rebuilt by a local source years ago and actually downshifted afterwards. This is not an anti-bowtie overdrive post/it's the backstory. This rebuilt transmission was removed and replaced with a junkyard T56 FY2013.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. The "other" 66 Malibu has a 700r4 that was installed and driven without incident since 2006. Then suddenly, isn't it always suddenly, this installed 700r4 wouldn't shift out of 1st gear... it functions in reverse and first but that's it. This necessitated its removal and lucky for me, we've got the other former bowtie overdrives unit in the back of the garage since 2013 waiting for a new home. Out with the injured 700r4 and in with the extra unit. This is where my questions begin. This 700r4 transmission we had in the garage has an electric connection on the transmission that was once attached to a switch on the brake pedal. However, when I removed the pan to replace filter and look around, these wires do not continue beyond the external connection. There are two wires within the transmission but they are not attached to the external connection? Once this transmission was installed using the torque converter from the transmission removed, it also will not shift out of 1st gear automatically and/or manually? It's functioning exactly like the one removed, 1st and reverse only? Fresh fluid, filter, transmission kooler lines and the wire is connected to the unit. Could this be the torque converter? It's the only thing common between there two different transmissions.
Thank you for your time.

 

[Peewee0413]

The wires on the brake is to disengage lock up, has nothing to do with 1-2 shift. Check the governor for damage, which is likely. I'm far from an expert with a 700. I have built 2 4l60's

If the governor is good check the following.

1. leak in your 2-4 servo.
2. sticking 1-2 shift valve.
3. burnt 2-4 band.

In order 1-3, last one requires tranny removal and disassembly.

 

[91c1500sleeper]

If both transmissions are acting the same I would be looking at the cable or linkage system. If your putting it in OD or D you can remove the pan and have someone move the shifter while you watch the shift pawl and make sure it's moving through the detents. If all that's good then I would be changing the torque convertor. Forgot to mention, check the fluid level. If it's not correct the trans will not shift and burn the clutch packs. Heat kills the 700's and also an improperly adjusted TV cable.

 

[Peewee0413]

Didn't see two trannys with the same problem...Adjustment seems likely.

 

[modern malibu]

Governor on the 700r4 controls wot shift points. TV cable is responsble for part throttle shifts. Tv pressure works with governor pressure to control shift feel and timing. Pull the governor from the side of the trans and inspect the gear for what is commonly called apple coring. If no evidence of this, it is probable a band issue or a servo apply problem.

 

[2tone66]

Didn't see two trannys with the same problem...Adjustment seems likely.

Gentlemen, I sincerely appreciate your insight and advice on this issue. My neighbor helped me by pressing on and off the throttle, as I from the underside watched as the cable pushed the piston into the housing. It was perfect in its execution and adjustment. However, I went back after watching a video on this subject showing the throttle held at WOT and the TV cable attached at this throttle position. The TV cable was approximately 3/4 of an inch from the attachment point on the lower throttle bracket, per my adjustment. Once the TV cable was released enough to reach this method, it now up and downshifts! Thank you again for your advice, guidance and direction. What a relief.