1991 Blazer tranny problem

1991 blazer auto trans. I have to give a lot of throttle to get it going (almost like trying to start in higher gear on a manual) Once it''s going, it doesn''t shift into 2nd until very high RPM. When it does shift, it''s a very "hard" shift. Once in 2nd, same thing going into 3rd. Same with reverse - Have to give a lot of throttle to get it to move.
I checked the fluid and it was low. Added fluid to proper level and it still does the same thing. Any suggestions?

That dont sound good.  Check the fluid first, but you may need a trans.

The transmission was a bit low on fluid.
I topped it off and still had the same problems.
At the suggestion of a friend, I replaced the filter and it still done the same thing.
It then started leaking real bad from somewhere around where it connects to the engine. After talking to 3 different mechanics, they all recommended a new trans. I''m not going to put that kind of money in a vehicle this old with 165,000 miles.

I plan on just selling the vehicle as is. Maybe someone will want it.

Thanks for your reply.

hey if you decide to sell What kinda shape is the body in and where r you located

That  is a common problem with some older cars.  No owner wants to spend $1600 on a car that is not worth $1000. You can seldom get your investment back in a old car unless it is a model that is in high demand....a 1991 S10 Blazer ain''''t.

I have the similar issue with my 1991 S10 Blazer SUV,  4WD with 4WAL brakes. I am in the process of replacing the ABS modulator valve assembly (EHCU) which  cost $700 for a rebuilt unit, and then I must try to find someone that has the ability and knowledge to bleed that crazy system. Two Chevrolet dealerships told me they don''''t know how to bleed that system  or at least they claim they don''''t and don''t want to be bothered with that kind of work when they have enough warranty work to keep them busy. That is called a repair shop "bums rush"  or "take it somewhere else".

Many auto repair shops will demand a 50% advance payment on an old car before repairs begin.  That is because the repair shops are afraid when the owner gets their bill, he may tell them to stick it.  Then the repair shop will be stuck with a car they cannot even sell for salvage and they even would have to pay salvage yard to come pick it up.

That''s the same as my Blazer. 1991 4WD 4.3L.

And what you are saying is exactly what I found out. I did find a few shops that would rebuild the tranny, and 2 even said the same thing as you-that the tranny would cost more than the vehicle is worth.

Oh, well. It was a good vehicle while it lasted.

I have an associate who  is a auto repairman  at a local Chevrolet dealership.   He furnishes his own tools and equipment and "leases"  a stall in the Chevrolet dealership. He works on a commission basis just like the other auto repairmen. Auto repairmen merely rent a space in a repair shop and are paid a percentage of the bill.  The auto repair shops and car dealerships will only pay the repairman a flat rate price for a job. Therefore the more parts the repairman can use and  how fast he can do a job will determine how much money the repairman can make. That type pay schedule  is an incentive for the repaiman to install unnecessary parts and do fast and incomplete work.     

I purchased a rebuilt  EHCU  for $700 and my friend at the Chevy dealership said he would  will put it on and bleed the ABS brakes. I am fortunate to have a friend that is a repairman in a Chevrolet dealership that is willing to do that.  I wonder if the dealership knows what he does for some of his friends? He has done that for me before and has done that kind of work for someone else I know.  I am sure the dealership would be irritated if they found out what he is doing. He told me they know it and don''t care.  

If I had to buy the rebuilt EHCU (Electro-Hydraulic Control  Unit) from the Chevrolet dealership in order to get him to install it and bleed the brakes, I would have to pay $1500 for the unit!

Two  independent auto shops and one Chevrolet dealership have tried to bleed the ABS brakes but none of their so called  "ASE Certified" mechanics is willing to do it because its take longer than the independent auto repair shop or car dealership will pay.  One of the independent repair shops charged me the regular $90 flat rate in their attempt to bleed the brakes after working on them for four hours which resulted in total failure. Another  independent auto repair shop and the Chevrolet dealership tried to bleed them and they failed miserably but they did not charge me anything. 

I can install the EHCU but the hard-headed repairmen will not let me tell them how to bleed the ABS  system. I gave the goofy  mechanics a copy of Cadone''''''''s instructions on how to bleed the ''91 S10 Blazer ABS brakes and they refused to read it and tossed it in the trash. They do not want to be told how to do their job by the customer.  I am not equipped and in too bad health to bleed the brakes.

It is nearly impossible to find a shop repairman that can read well enough to interpret instructions.  Most of thos grease monkeys only know how to "put part on" and "take parts off". . All the good shop repairmen are either shop owners or service managers with their feet kicked up on a desk.   

You can pick up a used tranny for about $500 and install it yourself.
 
Where do you live. If it''s close enough I''ll give you $50 for the truck.

Ive got a 91 s10 blazer and have the same problem but not the reverse problem. also the lucas transmision fluid might help and that marvel mystery oil I heard might work