idosubaru Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Here's my question - can the automatic transmission solenoids alone cause it to not go into any gear? This transmission had a smashed pan and solenoids which I repaired like 40,000 or something miles ago and it ran fine until recently. I replaced some of the solenoids and wiring, not all of it - so I'm wondering if there could have been another damaged solenoid/wiring I didn't notice that finally failed? 2002 VDC automatic. It won't go into any gear at all - it just sits there and idles perfectly with no change as I move the gear selector. Disconnecting the TCU changes nothing and I'm nearly positive it's not the linkage. Normally I'd just assume it's a torque converter failure - but with the prior solenoid damage and being uncertain how precisely they work I wanted to check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 (edited) Not likely. Normally if solenoids fail the transmission will stay in 3rd gear forward, and you would still have reverse. Sounds like either dead trans pump, blown out seal somewhere internally, or possibly torque converter failed. Maybe the pickup filter fell off and it can't pull any fluid. There are some ports on the side of the case where you can check line pressure. Or pull one of the cooler hoses off and stick it in a bottle and see how much/how fast fluid gets pumped into it. That would tell you if it's a pump problem. When you move the shifter out of park can you push the car? Would rule out a broken shift cable. Does it roll if it's in park? Broken axle... Edited February 16, 2017 by Fairtax4me 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Check for line pressure / flow at the transmission cooler lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Great thanks - with that prior pan/solenoid smashing issue I wanted to make sure it couldn't be the solenoids. Fluid movement check - good call, i'll pull a hose. or possibly torque converter failed... Prior to failure, for a couple months, the torque converter would chatter (i think that's what it was) when warming up, and it was throwing some solenoid codes. So I was already expecting issues, just wasn't sure if it was related to that pan smashing incident. , When you move the shifter out of park can you push the car? Would rule out a broken shift cable.Does it roll if it's in park? Broken axle... Oh right, yeah park works fine and I can push the car so it's all working. , or possibly torque converter failed. When you move the shifter out of park can you push the car? Would rule out a broken shift cable. Does it roll if it's in park? Broken axle... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Just to avoid a possible expensive fix, make sure the shift cable isn't binding or is adjusted properly and well lubricated. Does your car have the PRND indicator on the dash? If so, make sure it matches up with the position on the shifter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Just to avoid a possible expensive fix, make sure the shift cable isn't binding or is adjusted properly and well lubricated. Does your car have the PRND indicator on the dash? If so, make sure it matches up with the position on the shifter. Yeah the indicator is moving and the car comes out of and goes into actual Park just fine, so the mechanisms are all working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Stupid question, but did you check fluid level? What does it do if you put it in gear and give it gas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 *** Odd change of events - I revved the engine up to like 6,000+ RPM's and held it there for a few seconds (because what do I have to loose?) and the car slowly started going in reverse and after 10 feet backwards, 10 feet forwards....it seemed to be improving. It's a slow engagement, like a slipping clutch, but seemed to be improving. I didn't "drive it" just went forward/backward a few times for a few feet. What does that mean? I'm thinking it means it needs a tall, cold bottle of Trans X...! LOL Yes - it's full. It acts like it's in neutral in all gears (except in park, it's in park). No noise, no nothing, just neutral, engine purring right along without a glitch. Stupid question, but did you check fluid level? What does it do if you put it in gear and give it gas? Well - until that little 6,000+ rpm stint I just pulled... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 You would probably have a code if it was the solenoid. I'm guessing the converter is toast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 I think it does have a code for a solenoid, I just don't recall which one(s). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 I know that you know that you should know before taking a guess. Lol. There may be additional codes now. I've had a TCC solenoid throw codes up until I changed the solenoid but it didn't fix the shifting issue it was having. It still revs out and slams in to 2nd. But this was on a different car with a different transmission. And it didn't render the car inoperable. In this particular case, the solenoid was gunked up from the TC basically deteriorating. Doesn't mean that's what is happening in your case. To be honest, I would suspect that a bad solenoid would impede shifting, not necessarily movement. Perhaps it's time to rebuild or swap it out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 Right on I'll read codes when I'm back in town. I'm assuming replacement is the probable solution. I'll still investigate for learning and practical reasons though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 I guess what I'd like to know is what happens when these solenoids fail? Can they fail and remain open or remain closed and what happens if they do? Line pressure solenoid? TCC solenoid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 TCC solenoid only affects the lock-up clutch in the converter. That's only engaged once the vehicle is moving above a certain speed. Line pressure solenoid it fails it should fail so the trans gets full pressure. Maybe if it physically broke/fell off of the valve body it could dump enough pressure to cause a total non-engagement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreaseMonkey03 Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 You my friend need some throne time with engineering schematics, TCM logic algorithms and a blue pill. As for me, I'll stick to car and driver and throw a solenoid at it when I'm done. Lmao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 You my friend need some throne time with engineering schematics, TCM logic algorithms and a blue pill. As for me, I'll stick to car and driver and throw a solenoid at it when I'm done. Lmao Hahahaha. Totally get that, much more efficient your way. Your description is keen, Ive done lots of that and built software for spacecraft, not on the throne though Lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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