Transmission Problems on 1980 Spider

I am the proud owner of a 1980 Fiat Spider with automatic transmission and fuel injection. The problem I'm having is that the car will pop out of gear and run on neutral for a couple of seconds from time to time. This usually happens when I'm going above 35 mph. So far it has always popped back into gear but I'm really scared that someday it won't and I will be stuck in a dangerous situation on the highway. I've already taken it to a mechanic who checked the transmission and fluids and said that both were fine. Does anybody have any ideas what the heck could be going on?

Thanks
Quinn Costello

PS. This car has a slight overheating problem as well- I'm not sure if that could have something to do with my transmission woes.

This is not a common problem with the spider automatic let alone any other automatic, I'd consider getting a hands on second opinion from another transmission shop or shop that services the spider/GM auto transmission.

I doubt the over heating problem which is more common with your spider/2000 is related to the tranny problem

welcome to the forum
i would change the fluid anyway see if it makes any diffrence, if it dont then its proubaly a pump inside the box. i dont know what that would cost in the us proubaly a lot less than here in the uk,

Hi,
Could be something as simple as the shifter adjustment (I presume it has a cable, though I have never actually seen a Spider auto!) Neutral is, after all, next to Drive. I guess you could discount this by seeing if you lose drive in lower ratios as well.

I think you're right to be concerned. Such a problem can only get worse or lead to other damage.

First check the fluid level using the proper technique (most cars this is with engine running). Very low fluid level would give that symptom. I know you said you had this done, but everyone makes the odd mistake - get a second opinion.

If fluid is at correct level, an automatic transmission shop should be able to perform a pressure test, since it is probably a loss of pressure that causes the loss of drive. If there is low pressure, there is usually an internal filter that can be cleaned/replaced. If this makes no difference then you may have internal pump wear causing a drop in pressure, and it is at this point where you decide whether to fit a replacement transmission or have yours rebuilt (usually not a DIY job).

Low pressure is bad news because clutches inside transmission can slip, burning themselves out, and burning the fluid which then causes other items to fail... :-( so I would get onto it quickly for peace of mind :-)

I agree with formulaone, I don't think the engine running a bit hot would be anything to do with the transmission, though it is just possible that it would exacerbate the fault (lovely word ;-)) if the fluid level is very low, because what fluid there is would be a little hotter (and thinner)... less pressure, etc.

Thanks and good luck - and welcome to the forum!
-Alex

Wow!

I can't believe I got three detailed responses. This is truly a great forum. As it turns out the problem was solved by dropping the pan(?) on the transmission. Strange stuff.

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses.

Quinn Costello

glad you got it sorted, thanks for letting us know