Auto. GXL- No 1st Gear/ all others fine---Help!!!!

[JeffDutton]

I have a 90\' GXL n/a. The car runs well, and shifts well. The problem is that there is no first gear what so ever. The car takes off in second and shifts through the rest of the gears normally. If I pull it into first, it makes no noise, the rpms do not drop, nothing at all happens. Some one please tell me what is going on!!!!! I purchased the car in this shape, hoping to fix the problem and enjoy a very well-kept 2nd Gen. I\'m new to this club, so be kind to the new kid, eh?

[alistair bridge]

try draining the gear box oil and at the same time check that nothing comes out with it metallic stuff. other than that. take the g.box off and have a look inside, doesn\'t sound good though.

[JeffDutton]

I drained the transmission fluid, which smelled acrid. I found quite a lot of metallic sludge built-up on the magnet in the pan. There was also some larger metal shavings in the fluid. I am in the process of removing the transmission, but I am having a hell of a time getting the torque converter to transmission bolts out. If you have any advice, fire away.
By the way, it\'s nice to hear from someone across the pond. Birminham happens to be the origin of one of my favorite band; Black Sabbath. Thanks again for the reply.

[alistair bridge]

hate to say this but it sounds like g.box is knackered. auto boxes like to be clean and shiny inside, that\'s why they have special fluid. suggest swaPPING TO A MANUAL BOX ANYWAY. THEY ARE V. STRONG AND YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK ONE UP FROM A BREAKERS FOR NOT MUCH MONEY. NOT SURE HOW EASY THIS CONVERSION IS, NEED FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH AND THINGS (damn you caps lock) good luck stripping down the old kit.

[JeffDutton]

I have found a five-speed tranny and clutch assembly for three hundred ( if I take it out, that is). I am leaning toward swapping the more I think about it. Thanks, man.

[alistair bridge]

go for it auto boxes are not my cup of tea. should give more power to the back wheels too. i have heard that you\'ll need a big socket and a long bar to get a flywheel off. you might want to do the scrappie a "favour" and take out the engine and box then strip it of the bits you need.