Re: A/T skipping 1st gear

Dabbler wrote:
> ...the original problem
> reappeared again last night despite the replaced ****ft control
> solenoid. The #4 gear indicator started fla****ng after a short stop
> at an ATM machine.

That car just wants some cash from the machine.

> Luckily, this time I knew to try to switch into
> gear 2 to get the car going without all that torque converter work to
> get some speed.

That's probably unnecessary. The transmission control computer limits you
to 
second and fourth gears only when in "limp home" mode.

> The problem seemed to have disappeared after a longer
> stop, just like the first time.
> I wonder what it is with short stops
> that cause this problem.

It could be some heat build-up causing the problem.

> It might be an indication of a more serious
> problem developing and I would like to prevent it without spending
> another $300+ for the wrong medicine.

Did the $300 result in the actual change of the ****ft control solenoid 
assembly? Did you get the old part?

Let's assume that a new solenoid was actually installed. I recall that you

have the service manual. Can you read the transmission control unit error 
codes without a service tool. At least on older models you just watch the 
fla****ng lamp on the TCU itself. If so, what error code is fla****ng now? 
Still an eight as before?

The TCU itself may be failing or it could be a problem in the wiring. A 
short to battery voltage, an open circuit, a low resistance to ground or
an 
adjacent circuit will register in the TCU and store an error code. The TCU

does not differentiate among various conditions. If any anomaly pops up in

the ****ft control solenoid B circuit for instance, the TCU lamp flashes 8 
times. Some oil leaks into the connector in the engine compartment and the

technician leaps to the conclusion that the solenoid must be changed. As
Tom 
and Ray will tell you, he had a boat payment due.
-- 
Chuck