1988 Chevy Cavalier Transmission compatibility

1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
90,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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NETGEAR23
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I have a 1988 Cavalier, that had a blown engine. Got an engine out of a 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, and a transmision from a 2001 Cavalier. Both the new engine and the transmission were both from cars with "on the column" shifting. My '88 Cavalier has the floor shifter. My question is, do I need any sort of adapter for my wiring for the "new" transmission to function properly. I have driven the car, and it won't shift out of 1st gear when driving. Maybe the "manual linkage" is different for that newer transmission, or the transmission itself is bad. Any ideas what I need to do.
Aug 26, 2009 at 1:44 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Did you change the car's computer? The 2001 trans has a speed sensor and shift solenoids that need to be told when to shift. That wasn't part of the 1988.
Aug 26, 2009 at 2:08 PM
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NETGEAR23
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I miss spoke, it is a '91 Transmission (maybe a '90), would that make a difference?
Aug 27, 2009 at 12:07 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
It should have worked. Are you sure the trans you got is good?
Aug 27, 2009 at 1:02 AM
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NETGEAR23
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ok thanks. The last thing I can think of is the "shifting" order. P N D 1 2 3... could that be different. and also, my calalier is a Z24, with no overdrive. I'm pretty sure the "newer" transmission has overdrive. could that be making a difference.
Aug 28, 2009 at 11:56 PM
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