I have a 1988 Formula automatic... It is not shifting above 2nd gear. It runs high RPMs but never shifts into 3rd. Sometimes if I stop then speed ahead it will shift fine but not as of my recent ride around town just never got out of 2nd??

quote Originally posted by LQQKS88: I have a 1988 Formula automatic... It is not shifting above 2nd gear. It runs high RPMs but never shifts into 3rd. Sometimes if I stop then speed ahead it will shift fine but not as of my recent ride around town just never got out of 2nd??

Check the transmission fluid level . If that doesn't work try shifting through the gears manually. Any change??
Are you sure that the transmission is not shifting into third or that the torque converter is not locking up. ? It is common that the torque converter clutch solenoid on these transmissions fail. If that is the case the engine will rev higher and sound like it isn't in top gear. If it is the TCC clutch solenoid that part can be replaced without dropping the transmission.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Thank you for your reply I appreciate it we have checked the transmission fluid in the transmission fluid is fine, I've tried driving it using both the first and second gear manual on the shifter of my automatic and it like I said when it goes into second it doesn't jump into third just get a High Rev RPM

When's the last time the filter inside the transmission was replaced?

And has the TV cable ever been adjusted?

I don't know if either of these questions actually has any bearing on the symptom you've mentioned, but figured I'd mention them just in case.

Hello this was new to me last year had not been driven in sometime before purchase it was in a storage and on display at an antique shop/storage so my guess is no to the above lol.
I have it going to the garage in a week or so as we are not really sure what we are even looking for or how to adjust ect. Praying that is all it is

quote Originally posted by Patrick: When's the last time the filter inside the transmission was replaced? And has the TV cable ever been adjusted? I don't know if either of these questions actually has any bearing on the symptom you've mentioned, but figured I'd mention them just in case.

Years back I did experience slipping shifts with an automatic. I dropped the pan changed the filter put all new fluid in and it worked. Trans shifting was normal again.
trans fluid can go bad. Worth a try

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "