QuestionQUESTION: How can you tell is the transmission solenoid is bad? My van won't shift out of 2nd but has no torque problem. Reverse works fine. Also, as soon as shift problem occurred started noticing a missing in the engine and occassional backfire. Could they be related?
ANSWER: Hi Kari,
The there are several "solenoids" in the solenoid box on the side of the transmission and the best way to diagnose your problem is by a fault code readout of both the transmission and the engine control modules. That is done via plug that mates with an under-dash socket next the steering column using an OBD-II reader to get 4-digit fault codes. You can get that done often for free at an Autozone parts store, or for about $40 at an independent shop. Ask for the code numbers, the names, what they recommend and for how much. Then write me back with the detail and we can compare to the Chrysher shop manuals that I have, and compare to what you were told. With the on-board diagnostic capability that is the best way to get the problem solved.
It is possible that the issue could be due to a problem with the digital communication system that is needed both by the engine and transmission and that they share the information. The fault codes will tell us.
Roland
PS You can use the "thank/rate" tab below to get back to me without having to wait for me to be 'available' for a follow-up question. There is a space for comments.
We took the van to AutoZone and Advanced for diagnostics. Both showed only problems with the EGR sensor. Yesterday morning, after letting the van set all night, it shifted from 1st to 2nd and tried to shift to 3rd. The engine revved real high and downshifted to 2nd after that it wouldn't even try to shift into 3rd. Do you have any ideas? Thanks, Kari
Hi Kari,
The only thing that I can think of is that the transmission control relay is flaky if it won't shift out of second and also shows no codes.
The 'stuck in second' phenomenon is effectuated by turning off that relay, so if the relay begins to turn itself off that might be why you have the problem but no codes. If you look in the box under the hood where there are fuses and relays, identify the transmission relay (or "ETAX relay), then find a relay just like it with the same part number and substitute one for the other, road test the van again and see if the problem is solved, or perhaps a different problem due to the switch of relays occurs. If that is what happens, then change out the trans relay. Other than that, you pretty much have to get a trans fault or just submit to a "rebuild" which is probably around $2000. So lets keep trying to get a code, but first try to exchange out the relay.
Roland
PS Thanks for the kind evaluation.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: We switched out the relay. Did not help. We did replace the EGR valve. Will still shift from 1st to 2nd and try once to shift to 3rd then stays in 2nd. Won't even try after the first attempt. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kari
AnswerHi Kari,
The transmission controller is evidentally sensing a problem which poses a risk of damage to the transmission and therefor put it into "limp-in mode" which means it only will stay in second gear which uses the fewest internal parts of the transmission. When it does so it is supposed to enter a fault code in the transmission memory which should appear on a readout. About all you can do is try for another readout to find out what the cause is. Maybe try another garage with a different/better code reader? An independent transmission shop (but not a nationwide-franchise type) would have the reader that would give the code. If your minivan is "flex fuel" equipped it may not have the OBD-II type 16-pin readeout plug but rather the OBD-I 6-pin data link connector under the dash which is the way to access the transmission controller in that case. It may be that the readouts so far have only accessed the engine controller. A '96 that doesn't have flex fuel capability should have the OBD-II type of plug. Look under the dash on either side of the steering column to see how many pins the code reader plug has.
The OBD-I codes will be 2-digit, the OBD-II codes will be 4-digit. Do you recall what the code was for the EGR?
Roland
