Trans won’t shift out of first gear.

[Rogerzz]

Transmission will not shift out of first gear. The trans fluid was black. Changed the fluid still won’t change gears.
Does anyone know what can be wrong or what else can I do. It’s 1981 camaro.

 

[Gary S]

What kind of transmission do you have? There were different trannys available that year.

 

[Rogerzz]

I have no clue. Where can I look to find out. I’m not the best mechanic I can do the basic things. I’ve never had to deal with a transmission.

 

[wnmech]

Shape of the transmission oil pan would help.

 

[budro6968]

Does it do the same even if you start in low then shift manually up to second then drive? Black does not sound good. Did it have a burnt smell?

 

[Rogerzz]

The pan is all most square with one corner angle.
There was no burnt smell.
Yes it will not change from low to higher gears. Also putting it in a reverse it starts moving then stops after about 10ft.

 

[Gary S]

Both the TH350 and the TH200 had a mostly square pan with one corner angled. The TH350 pan should have 13 bolts holding it on while the TH200 pan should have 11 bolts. THe TH200 pan should have the word METRIC stamped into it in large letters.
The TH350 is a good tranny. If it has clean oil already, check that the modulator vacuum line is connected from the modulator on the tranny to the intake manifold of the engine.
The TH200 tranny is one of GM's failed attempts to downsize car components. They all burned up early in life and again repeatedly if they were repaired. The only repair that really seems to work on them is to replace them with a TH350.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

V6 cars got the TH200C.
In 81, most V8 automatics got a TH350C with a lockup torque converter.

Either way... black fluid is bad and changing the fluid won’t fix toasted hard parts.

 

[larrylarry]

Time for another transmission!!! There's nothing you can do to make it work, it's FUBAR! One of the misconceptions of an auto trans is changing fluid when it won't shift right anymore. Sorry for your loss.

 

[ol' grouch]

Like others have said, with black fluid it's probably toast. However, make sure the kick down rod hasn't fallen off the carburetor. This is what kicks it down a gear for passing. If it falls off, you're stuck in first.