Automatic transmission behaviour

[Timko]

I was checking out and test-driving a 1989 non-turbo Supra to potentially purchase, but the transmission seemed absolutely non responsive and the car felt very sluggush.

It would not kick down at all when the accelerator pedal was floored, and the tranny would never shift above 2500 rpms. Most of the time cruising, the rpms were between 1500 and 2200. This behaviour occurred with the ECT both on and off.

The O/D light was not blinking, and the AT fluid color was good and at the right level. What could cause this behaviour? Is the tranny on the way out, or could this be caused by some sort of electrical control problem? Is there anything else it could be or to check?

Thanks !

[Jeeves]

Sounds like it was in limp-home mod if it wouldn't go over 2500rpm. I think a MAF failure is usually to blame for that.

[Timko]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be looking into that then