Hello all,
I have a 1996 Camaro RS 3.8L, Auto trans (I think it's the 4L60-E, it has 2nd gear start and overdrive). The problem is if I accelerate (not racing) from a stop or while moving, the car goes out of gear.. and revs. If I let off the gas and try a little less gas it will go back in gear. It does it in every gear. I also have some low speed vibration. I think it is the torque converter. Any advice?

Another question. Would it be better to keep and fix this trans or replace it with a different one? (Not going to be used for any racing or hot rodding)

Thanks for your time, Dave.

drobe this is a tough call. I had 2 cars with a similar problem One was a 1969 Camaro and that was the torque converter when I had my THM 350. A friend of mine had a Buick Regal with a 301V8 and THM200hthat issue and it was the low/reverse clutch. Yes automatics use clutches internally.

My other car was a 1984 Z28. In that case the trans was going bad (700 R4) and the torque converter was going as well. That car also needed a catalytic converter but that was another issue.

Check the fluid, if it smells burnt, be careful. Sometimes these transmissions get used to abrasive burnt fluid an so do their clutch packs. If you change the fluid it will be smooth fluid and could cause failure. Think of it like this picture wlaking on a sandy beach on a nice summer day it's unlikely you will slip on sand. Now picture walking on the edge of lake with a nice smooth icy surfce in the middle of the winter. You could slip and fall right??

That's what happens when I see people change burnt fluid. I would have a trans shop road test the vehicle. The vibration could also be u-joints going bad since they are getting more forces applied to them from a start then lets say at 30-40 MPH.

Start by looking at the fluid, let us know what color it is, what it smells like and if it feels gritty or not.

Good Luck with your Camaro!! I'm now on my 4th one and my first one in 12 years.

1969 RS Camaro (early Norwood car built 10D)
1984 Z28 5.0L H.O. (loaded with eveything from the factory)
1988 IROC-Z 5.7L (everything but T-Tops)
1969 X-44 Camaro (The nightmare headache I just bought a few weeks ago)


God I wish I could find my first 1969 Camaro. Why Lord did I ever sell that car....Dumb Dumb Dumb!!