I just got a trans brake installed in my 4l80e that is in my 2005 GTO. I wired a direct power wire to the switch for the brake so there is no question about power to the solenoid. Here is the delema. With key out of the car the solenoid will not operate. With the key in the accessory position the solenoid will operate normally (push the button and hear a click) in any gear. The problem is when I turn the key to the on or run position the solenoid will not work in any gear selected. PLEASE HELP!! Thanks

 

Where is your power coming from specifically?

 

It's wired straight into a constant power source at the fuse panel. There is nothing else on that source.

 

Its possible that circuit can't carry the load. Wire it to the battery and it will work. Also, what gauge wire are you using?

 

I tried two different circuits. I am using 16 gauge automotive wirewhich is the same size that the switch has. I was told that the solenoid only draws 1.5 amps. Do you still think that it could be a current issue.

 

I tried what you said about wiring it directly to the battery and it's the same. The only thing I can figure is that somehow the ignition is breaking the ground which is wired inside the tranny. Just a guess though.

 

Try this , Run a ground strap from the case of the trans to the body of the car. Then from the body of the car to the neg side of the battery, Then try again ,"use a heavy gauge wire like 4 guage. I have a theory.
Frank

 

Do you mind sharing your theory before I go buy $100 worth of 4 gauge.

 

He is just saying that the transmission/engine may not have a good chassis ground, which is probably the problem if you are certain it isn't a power issue.

 

My only thought is that I have solid motor mounts and it seems like it would never work consistently if there was a ground issue. I am open for anything but I'm positive I am getting power to the solenoid and 99% sure it is grounded very well. Please feel free to correct me if I am talking crazy.

 

If anything, run a temporary ground from the solenoid to the negative side of the battery, and see if it will work then.

 

sounds like relay wired wrong and maybe some voltage feedback causing probs with relay

 

Thanks for the feedback. I will have to drop the pan and give that a try.

 

I thought this as well. The company that installed the brake said that it would only work with the gear selector in 3rd but yet when it works in acc, it makes no difference what gear it is in. Who knows. I guess I will be digging into it soon.

 

my rossler tbrake works in any gear as well but i only use it in 3rd at the track as instructed. try a wire directly to it bypassing the relay. mine is a little 12-14gauge wire

 

I don't support the idea, but that amount of 4 gauge wire wouldn't even be CLOSE to $100.

 

I certainly did not mean to run the solenoid with it , I mean t create a new/additional chasis ground connection between batt neg,chasis and drivetrain. lol

 

I was just joking.
I have gotten some new info on this and I should know if it works this weekend. If it does I will post up.

 

Problem fixed. The TCI wiring harness was put together wrong. The wire that I thought went to the "W" terminal on the transmission did not. It passed through a rubber grommet on the back side of the connector and was aligned with the "W" but went somewhere else. The rubber grommet as a hole for every pin and is supposed to line up respectively. It didn't. The solenoid I heard clicking was a different one and had nothing to do with the brake. I repinned the harness and it works like a champ. Thanks for all of the help.

 

What did TCI say about this? I have yet to get mine in the car but I hope I don't have the same issue