Suzuki: Code 751 Shift solenoid A on a 96 Suzuki Sidekick, 1996 suzuki sidekick, vacuum modulator

Question
Hi Mr. Scott,

I have owned my 1996 Suzuki Sidekick JLX (Sport Model) 1.8L for about 2
years, I bought it when it had about 129,000 miles, but it has been really
great.  Although I have kept up on all maintainence and minor repairs, which
include the regular oil change to the entire exhaust replacement and three
ignition coil packs,  there has been one problem since I bought it.  It seems
that while upshifting, it tends to shift very abruptly, or it will not shift to
another gear easily until I let up on the gas a little.  On the other side of that,
when I am coming to a stop, say from going 45 mph, it may downshift
abruptly too.  I finally got a check engine light today, and when I got it
checked at a local store, I found out that it was the shift solenoid A (or
number one) that is the cause of the problem.(Transmission?)  I wanted to
know if it was worth fixing, since the truck has so high mileage, or if I should
continue driving it as is.  The check engine light has been cleared, and it
hasn't come on since.  Thank you so much for your time, I hope to hear from
you soon.

Kevin Sosa

Answer
The trans has electric solenoids that work with a fairly simple control unit to determine when to shift up or down.  this is basically the next step from the vacuum modulator, or the cable from the throttle to the trans.  The solenoid  is on the valve body, and is a relatively straightforward repair. Be aware of the fact that all the control unit can do is measure the resistance of the wire and the winding of the solenoid.  If a connector is bad, the control unit will give the same code.
scotty