A/T shift problem

[wpurchas]

Hi,

My 3,5L Auto (96) has developed an intermittent problem which I previously thought was overheating. As I have installed a temp probe, I can see that the temp. is below 75degC when the problem occurs. So it was never temp.

After functioning fine, suddenly the vehicle will try to pull off in 4th instead of first. It won't kick down. If I use the gearshift and stick it into Low, it works fine. I then manual shift the auto to get along.

I traveled like this for about 20k's in town, where it refused to kick down or pull away in first, I then stopped for about 15 minutes. When I drove to the dealers, it behaved normal again. I spoke to the service manager and he did not seem to know of a possible cause. He says these gearboxes don't give problems so they have little experience in fault finding.

Previously, about 2 months ago when the same thing happened and it corrected itself, they picked up an error code, 11 (throttle position)and 41(shift solenoid), on the diagnostic. They reset it, and it went well for about a month.

He said I must book the vehicle in but should come when the fault is there. I am not to happy taking it in to experiment as I could face a large bill for their lack of knowledge.

I think a knowledgeble person should be able to narrow down the problem to a few possibilities with the info that I gave them.

Is there anyone on the forum with some ideas? I asked him where the kickdown cable terminates in the gearbox and if that part could be faulty. He did not know where it terminates as they have never had cause to look before.

Willie

[grumpy221]

Hi,


He did not know where it terminates as they have never had cause to look before.

Willie

He didnt know that????? mmmmm and he is your dealer??? find a service centre that know what they r doing.......have a look in here...
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiBrok ... meters=002

[Neilj]

41(shift solenoid)

Might be worth checking the solenoid.

[Bitsamissin]

But don't rule out that the kick down cable might simply need adjusting.
The electronics are getting the signal to kickdown but maybe physically can't do it because the cable is out of adjustment so an error code comes up. I would check that first as it's a simple fix if thats the problem.
Then I would be looking at the kickdown solenoid itself.
But your dealer is correct in saying that these transmissions rarely give trouble.

[wpurchas]

Thank's guys.

I have gon over all the connectors and checked the kickdown cable. As the fault is intermittant and not present at the moment, I am not sure wether I should fiddle further.

I did manage to get a brand new TPS for about $20 and am keeping this in the vehicle in case the fault re-appears so that I can quickly install and either eliminate the TPS as the cause or solve the problem.

I am going to replace the filter in the transmission when I change to Dexron III in 4 weeks time. I wonder if I should/could check that solenoid #1 then when I do this. As everything is functioning now, I am at a loss as to what to do next.

Maybe the removing and reconecting of the connectors that I did has solved the problem? I think only time will tel.

[wpurchas]

Some feedback.

After weeks of frustration, replacing TPS, changing TCM,paying agent to fix problem and even supplying him with info that pointed to solenoid #1 in gearbox malfunctioning, they just adjusted kickdown cable and said problem fixed.

By that evening, the problem was back. I tried 3 agents who all just shook their heads always refering me to someone else.

I bit the bullit and with the help of info found on the Russion site, I decided to hook up a multimeter to check the signal from TCM to solenoid #1 whilst I was driving. I also conected a pushbutton with 12V directly on the wire at the gearbox that activates the sol. All of this told me that the fault must lie with an intermittent solenoid switch.

In the end, I booked the car in at a gearbox specialist and told them to replace Solenoid # 1 in the valve body of the gearbox. They said they know gearboxes but not the electronics of a Pajero. They will replace and I must pay wether it solves the problem or not.

Well, it solved the problem.

I am posting this info as it might be of use to another Pajero owner at some stage.

Willie

[Rossco]

G'day willie.
I had worked at mitsubishi for about 4 and half years and have never heard of this problem. anyway am glad it's sorted, but you must have just been one of the lucky one's to have this problem.

[wpurchas]

That is exactly the comment from our agents. They are also a respected agent for Mercedes.

They said that in the 13 years that they have experience with Pajero, they have never encountered a gearbox problem with the Auto's. They just don't give problems. Electronics yes, but gearbox, No.

Well, I have learnt a lot during this exercise.

Willie