Honey-do list of problems
Much like an annoying ex, I'm coming back here because I've got a problem that only you can solve.
Now, a bit of context. I purchased the car in April of 2018, so relative to how long it's been around I'm still a fairly new owner. Had a GMC Sierra prior, but didn't have to do much work with that vehicle. Colour me inexperienced.
'98 Pontiac Firebird T/A, 5.7L | 4L60E (inb4 'Well ur problem is having a 4l60E'
)So the first thing's first, I'm going to list off everything that's happened as of late, then I'll list what I've done to solve those problems.
- Code P0758 - 2-3 Shift Solenoid B Circuit Malfunction - Car acts as if it's in limp mode, only third gear, manual second, and reverse.
- Left turn signal is now solid. Driver's side daytime runner only comes on when parking lights are turned on.
- Aftermarket radio is noticeably quieter now. Volumes that would've blown my ears out before are almost required to really hear anything over the car itself.
- Bank 5 coil-pack is causing a misfire.
- Replaced all four transmission solenoids.
- Swapped the trans fluid (was brown when swapped, yikes.)
- Cleared the codes, flashed the PCM, had a mechanic hook it up to a Tech 2 - all solenoids working and the transmission is 'shifting' into 1st according to the scanner, but it's definitely staying in 3rd.
- Replaced the bulbs for most of the lights on the driver's side.
Send help! - Seriously though, I've been mulling about the possibilities. A gentleman from a local trans shop said my trans problems could be wiring, but for it to still 'shift' and for all four solenoids to work fine I'd imagine my wiring's fine. I could be entirely wrong. I've looked into it potentially being my PCM (ECM? TCU?), my wiring harness, or even this faulty coil-pack. Another thing I've read on various threads is that I should look at my ignition switches.
I think before too long I'm going to try and replace this coil-pack to see if that'll resolve anything for me.
Thanks again for taking the time to look at this thread, and moreso for any answers you might have regarding my problems.
The transmission might have other issues beyond just the solenoids which were replaced. The brown fluid suggests, at the very least, a lack of maintenance over its lifespan. There may be other failed/failing parts within.
I agree with getting that misfire on cylinder #5 addressed before going any further. Are you sure it's the coil pack though? You could swap it with another and see if the misfire moves to a new cylinder. There could be other issues causing a misfire on #5.
Now these cars are also infamous for getting water in the front lamp housings causing serious corrosion of the bulb socket. This can cause the same symptoms because the bulb isn't getting a good connection. Depending on how bad it is, the socket can be cleaned or it might need to be replaced... replacement sockets are a few dollars at any auto parts store.
Finally, if the bulb and socket are okay then you may have a break in the blue wire somewhere between the DRL module (behind the radio) and the lamp. The two bulb filaments are on separate circuits - blue wire for turn signal and DRL, and brown wire for parking lights - so you can still have one work while the other doesn't. This is actually quite unlikely unless you've been doing some work that might have disturbed the original wires.
There are even more remote possibilities such as a bad turn signal switch but I would check the other possibilities first.
Turn on the hazards to see if they work, if the lamp doesnt work then it's a bulb / socket issue. If the hazards work then the flasher is bad











