Transmission Tweak via Resistor on Battery??
 

I read somewhere, and have the instructions printed out around here somewhere, oh here we go I have the instruction and I will paste them.

"After listening to all the opinions about why they hold up so poorly, I came to the conclusion that the number one cause of premature failure in the SVX automatics was the slow shifting. During shifts, the bands and clutches inside the unit have to slip a certain amount when they engage the next gear. How much slippage occurs has a direct effect on the amount of heat produced as well as how much wear results from each shift.

Many owners have discovered a little trick to firm up the shifts by unplugging the resistor that moderates the line pressure. This resistor is located behind the battery and when unplugged, results in firmer shifts at virtually all speeds. Unfortunately, two side effects are too firm shifting at low speeds and hunting of gears on deceleration. "

Does this seem like a reasonable tweak to try? I have a brand new tranny that was replaced, not rebuilt and I want to savor the transmission as long as possible and get a little firmer shifting...could this work? Anyone do this before? Let me know what you think.

Don't disconnect the resistor. What you want to do is install a shift kit from Smallcarperformance. BTW, the guy at smallcarperformance wrote the info you posted above but goes on to explain further HERE.

wtf is that? some hose and zip ties for 45 bucks???

Check with SVXFiles for a much less expensive "fix" for this...
-Bill

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Is this even necessary? I mean is this only applicable when you are encountering issues with your tranny? I'm not really into modding this if its not a complete positive effect to the operation of the SVX. :confused:

Don't unplug the resistor. This will generate an error code in your TCU. You will never know if there are multiple errors being reported unless you check the codes every time you get in the car.

Kinda confused as well, disconnecting the resistor is not completely positive. You get firmer shifts yes but all the time, even at low speed and the tranny will not downshift properly.

"Ricochet wtf is that? some hose and zip ties for 45 bucks???"

Now there's a well informed question.

Since the link I posted may have escaped some of you, here's some more info:

FAQ

What if my transmission seems to be working perfectly?
If your transmission seems to have no problems shifting or has been rebuilt recently, you may not notice much difference in normal driving. Even so, under brisk acceleration the Smallcar kit will firm up the shifts, helping your transmission last longer.

What if my transmission has problems?
If your automatic shifts sluggishly or has other problems, try unplugging the resistor behind the battery. If this seems to generally improve the operation, the Smallcar shift kit will help. If not, it's probably time for a rebuild or a Smallcar 5 speed.

How does it work?
The kit uses manifold pressure to sense engine load and switches the line pressure higher or lower as needed. For those who like to tinker, the switch point is adjustable.

Thumbs up or down on this?

do a search on this subject if you want a lot more info. There has been a LOT of talk about this, and some possible bad effects on the differential...:(

That was the answer I expected to hear from a politician :) haha just kidding

and a vacuum switch. Which is what makes the whole kit work.

I've had the kit on my car since it was first released by smallcar. I like the kit. My shifts are much firmer and there is no hunting on down shifts.

Thumbs up.

Harvey.;)

hehe...fixed :D

OK smart ass,:D I used the same thumb twice.:D

Harvey.:D