first gear issues

[knowquarter]

Hey FAQers,

I don't post much and I couldn't find any info using the search function so excuse me if this is redundant, but I need some help!

Car in question: 1975 bmw 2002 automatic

My car has been idling fine, a little shaky on a cold start but i've been having a problem with first gear. When i'm in drive and release the break to engage on the gas pedal, the pedal kind of "drops" and it seems as though first gear doesn't want to catch and it wants to stall. about 1/8 times it will stall and if it doesnt, it just barely catches first gear. It will shift into the other gears fine once first gear has been engaged.

What is the cause of this? How can I fix it?

Thanks in advance -

kq

[bcthomas122279]

Sounds like your idle is too low to me without actually taking a look at it.

[knowquarter]

thanks for the response. My throttle linkage has a lot of play and I thought that might be the cause as well. Any tips/hints on tightening / loosening it? I want to tinker around with it but don't want to make matters worse.

thanks!

kq

[bcthomas122279]

I would check:

The the the splined throttle rod that come directly out of the pedal box for wear.

The pivot point at the firewall.

The connection at the carb.

These are all the spots I see play in commonly.

[knowquarter]

I just noticed near the firewall where the linkage connects to the carb there are 3 holes - my throttle was linked at the very top so I just moved it to the middle hole and took her for a drive. a lot better. still a little iffy but definitely a large step. I still need to figure out how to dial it in perfectly.

Thanks for your help, any other tips/hints would be greatly appreciated. (i'm still learning how to work on this baby)

Thanks again.

kq

[c.d.iesel]

...and while your caring for your Automatic,

when was the last time you drained the ATF, and removed the pan to clean the oil strainer ?

you change the motor oil? don't you?