Any tranny guys out there, I NEED YOUR HELP! My 88 has the 4+3 setup and it does what I call "scuttle shifting." When I'm driving along in overdrive it will kick itself in and out of overdrive numerous times over the drive. It just does it for a second and then it kicks itself back up. I talked to a transmission man that I know and he recommended a tune up. I did that and I thought that I had the problem fixed. But yesterday, it reappeared. The reverse and overdrive light indicators in the dash don't respond to the tranny, but they work when I start the car. I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. Any help would be severly appreciated as right now I am about to pull my hair out! :cry Thanks ahead of time.

 

I am sure that Scorp508 can help you with this one...

 

Black,

If I'm understanding what you are observing, the OD is going on and off but the OD light is staying on. That would eliminate a lot of the common problems - OD relay, relay connection, computer, OD switch on shifter. In other words, the electrical connection going to the OD is operating properly, since the OD light is hooked directly to that wire.

So, the things to check are:

1. Is the fluid level in the OD OK? It will cut out if the level is low.

2. Is the electrical connection (on the driver's side) making good contact? Make sure it's physically "in there", clean with scotchbrite/WD40, etc.

3. Is the wire in good shape? Any possibility of a short to ground? If you've gotten this far down the list without success, you may want to pull the pan and verify the integrity of the wire inside the unit. Changed the fluid/filter lately?

One way to check the wire is to apply 12v to ALCL terminal F. If the OD relay is not energized (parked, key off, 1st gear etc.) this will supply power directly to the OD light and OD solenoid - you should hear it clunk if all is well. You should also be able to measure 12v at the connector to the OD.

I suspect it's something simple FWIW. Nice color, BTW.

HTH

 

No, the OD is going on and off, but the OD light never comes on unless just when I am starting the car when all of the other lights come on for like two seconds. I will try some of you recommendations though. At this point I will just about try anything! :cry

 

OD light should NOT come on during the bulb test - when all the idiot lights come on with ignition switch turned to run. Sounds like maybe the bulbs are switched around, and the OD bulb is burned out. Getting that working might be one thing to do some day - it tells you right away what signal the OD solenoid is seeing, whether the relay is functioning, and whether the OD is getting commanded on or off by the computer.

Lacking that indicator, I suggest you go right to the most common trouble spot when the OD develops a mind of its own - make sure the OD relay on the firewall is making good connection, or even replace it (at about $10, won't break the bank). The other common failure point which can give the same symptom is the OD switch on the shifter, or the wires leading to it, but I would go after that second since it is much more difficult to get to.

Good luck!

 

Is there really a "Reverse" light in the dash??? If so, mine must be out... :(

 

Are you sure the OD light shouldn't come on? All the other lights come on in the message center when I start the car. They go off after a few seconds.

Anyway, where is the OD relay on the firewall? Is it relatively easy to get to? I'm getting ready to send it to a shop because I need the fluid and filter changed in the OD and I don't have a hoist. And you probably know better than me how hard it is to jack on of those mothers up! :D
I will change the relay if it is no problem and if it don't work, the guy I'm taking it to will find if for sure. I would love to do all the work to it, but it is just such a hassle to get under the car. I would gladly listen to any suggestions you have on that too. I haven't owned on long enough to learn all the tricks yet. Thanks again for all of your help. You have no idea how much I appreciate it! :cheers:

 

I don't know what year yours is, but my 88 has a light that says reverse underneath my fuel gauge. :D

 

Reserve?

OD relay is simple to get to. Pass side of wiper motor high on firewall you'll see two relays. One is for the fuel pump, the other is the OD relay. Not sure which is which - pull one and see if you hear the fuel pump come on for 2" when you turn the key on. On mine it is the one toward the rear of the car, but service manual shows it towards the front. The wiring to the OD is skimpy, sometimes the connector just works loose. Check that first.

 

Yeah, seems like I have seen that one...But "Reverse"???...

Then again, I'd be looking backwards, so I wouldn't see it even if it was on... :crazy: