4l60e
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Your symptoms indicate that shift solenoid "A" (sometimes called the 1-2 shift solenoid) is defective. Since shift solenoids are only $15 each, I would start there. Buy the solenoids, drop your pan and replace them. The only tool you need is a slotted screwdriver to pull out the clip that secures the solenoid. Then pull out the two side-by-side shift solenoids to replace them. One is spring loaded, the other is not. Remember to put the clips back. If you really only want to replace one, let me know and I will post a pic of which is is "A".
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
OK.
First, you need to jack the front of the car up; for safety use jack stands.
Since most trans don't have a drain plug, I highly recommend pumping oil out through the dipstick using a $10 hand pump. Using a clean and dry 1 Gallon milk jug, you can also save and reuse the expensive trans fluid if it is in good condition and not discolored (brown). You should be able to pump out close to 1 gallon (4 quarts):
Next, drop the pan carefully as there will still be oil in in. Position it on the ground exactly below the trans as the internals will drip like crazy.
You will notice a large oil filter which you don't even need to remove (it twists out by hand).
Here is a picture, without the oil filter, of what you will see:
Solenoid "A" is the upper one on the right side of that picture. Remove the snap-on electrical connector. Then push the solenoid in a bit and use a screwdriver or pliers to remove its clip. It is spring loaded and will pop right out. Push in the new one, insert the clip and snap on the electrical connector.
As this point you will probably be thinking it took a bit of effort to get this far; hence my suggestion to replace the other shift solenoid too. Replacing the oil filter might be a good idea too.
If the trans fluid is discolored, I would recommend replacing it and the filter.
BTW - if you replace the 5 quarts that you now have out, that is still only about half of the 10-11 quarts that the trans and torque converter hold.
I hope that helps and that my diagnosis is correct.
First, you need to jack the front of the car up; for safety use jack stands.
Since most trans don't have a drain plug, I highly recommend pumping oil out through the dipstick using a $10 hand pump. Using a clean and dry 1 Gallon milk jug, you can also save and reuse the expensive trans fluid if it is in good condition and not discolored (brown). You should be able to pump out close to 1 gallon (4 quarts):
Next, drop the pan carefully as there will still be oil in in. Position it on the ground exactly below the trans as the internals will drip like crazy.
You will notice a large oil filter which you don't even need to remove (it twists out by hand).
Here is a picture, without the oil filter, of what you will see:
Solenoid "A" is the upper one on the right side of that picture. Remove the snap-on electrical connector. Then push the solenoid in a bit and use a screwdriver or pliers to remove its clip. It is spring loaded and will pop right out. Push in the new one, insert the clip and snap on the electrical connector.
As this point you will probably be thinking it took a bit of effort to get this far; hence my suggestion to replace the other shift solenoid too. Replacing the oil filter might be a good idea too.
If the trans fluid is discolored, I would recommend replacing it and the filter.
BTW - if you replace the 5 quarts that you now have out, that is still only about half of the 10-11 quarts that the trans and torque converter hold.
I hope that helps and that my diagnosis is correct.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
In limp mode you will only have 3rd gear and Reverse. If the PCM detects problems with any of the solenoids or other electrics in the trans, it will enter limp mode.
If you are in limp mode, then the "Check engine" light is like on. Most auto stores will let you borrow a good scanner to check the codes which should indicate what the PCM thinks is wrong.
If you are in limp mode, then the "Check engine" light is like on. Most auto stores will let you borrow a good scanner to check the codes which should indicate what the PCM thinks is wrong.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
I tune with as many MIL lights as possible as they may give you an early warning of a problem.
Obviously if you have HP Tuners you don't need to borrow a scanner.
Let me know what codes, if any, the PCM is reporting.
Obviously if you have HP Tuners you don't need to borrow a scanner.
Let me know what codes, if any, the PCM is reporting.
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Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 529
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Check out this page for ordering these parts:
http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...ids_s/5561.htm
Crazy that the 2003 harness is double the 2002 harness and the only difference is the connector for the pressure control solenoid. (Otherwise I would have recommended getting a new style pressure control solenoid too as they can get flaky and give strange symptoms.) I think my local trans shop sold me a 2003 harness for $35; so there must be cheaper vendors for that year.
