94 Topaz: Hard pedal effort

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schoolofspool - 22 Feb 2006 01:50 GMT

Hello,

My girlfriend has recently started having problems with her 94 topaz
(2.3L I-4 auto) which I believe to be connected with TSBs 95-1-5,
94-1-6, or 94-12-11 which points to a binding/mal-adjusted throttle
cable. Usually from a start the acc. pedal will resist and the remedy
thus far has been to stomp the pedal to 'un-hook' it. If you don't
un-hook it then the trans will hang in 1st. After you un-hook it the
trans tends to do an immediate 1-3 upshift. Is anyone familiar with
this problem? Is it feasible or is it an internal trans issue?
Basically I'm looking to fix this myself because it's not worth dumping
hundreds of dollars into this car. The car runs great other than that
and I'd hate to junk it because I think it's got a lot of life left in
it.
Any help from someone with a prior experience would be greatly
appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

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Tom Adkins - 22 Feb 2006 02:13 GMT

> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks,
> Tim

I suspect the Throttle Valve in the transmission valve body or the linksge is
binding, but I don't quite remember how the TV linkage works on a Tempo.
Remove the air cleaner housing and the hose to the throttle body. Look for a rod
that goes from the transmission to the throttle body near the throttle cable. It's a 2
piece rod, one end inside the other. There should be a spring that,IIRC,holds the 2
pieces together. Make sure the spring is conected. Then make sure the rod is connected
at both ends, the plastic grommets tend to fail.
If all looks good, disconnect the TV rod at the throttle body and work the throttle
and see if it is still binding. If it is, you need a replacement throttle
body.(Possibly the cable, but a binding TB is common).
If it is not binding at the throttle body, it's probably the Throttle Valve in the
transmission. The valve used to be available separately, you'll need to check with the
dealer or a trans shop.
The valve body needs to be removed from the TOP of the trans, it doesn't require
removal of the transmission. It's not hard to do, but if you arent familiar with
transmission work you might want to have a shop do it.

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schoolofspool - 22 Feb 2006 02:29 GMT

Hello,

Thanks Tom. As soon as I have her car here I will go over what you
said. Also, I forgot to mention two things. First that the trans will
3-2 downshift ~40mph and 2-1 ~10mph on deceleration. Secondly if I
drop the gear selector into 1st the pedal is next to impossible to
move. I don't know if that isolates what's going on but I figured I'd
include everything related that's going on. Thanks again for the
prompt and informative reply!

Regards,
Tim

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Tom Adkins - 22 Feb 2006 03:23 GMT

> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Regards,
> Tim

It's the erratic shifting that makes me suspect the TV or linkage. If it is a
problem with the valve or linkage, repair even at a shop shouldn't exceed ~$250 tops.
Perhaps much less. If a bushing on the TV rod has failed letting the rod bind the
throttle it's about $5 DIY.

It's important to mention: Don't drive the car until it's fixed! If the linkage jams
the throttle it could cause loss of control. If it lets the TV pressure drop too low
it will very quickly burn up the trans.(A matter of just a few miles).

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