2002 Q45 Transmission...a new problem!!!

[theska]

I was working on my starter issue, and stopped for the evening. Now my car doesn't seem to go into first gear. I have had NO issues with the transmission at all to this point. It seems to start in second. All I did was disconnect the battery and tried to removed the heat shield to gain side access to the starter top bolt, and now this is happening. I am very depressed and would appreciate some insight before I take it to a shop and get bent over. Thanks

[maxnix]

Sure you didn't dislodge any transmission or TCU connections?

[theska]

Definately possible, but I am not sure of their exact location to trouble shoot.

[theska]

Could it possibly need to be reset, based on the disconnection of the positive terminal? I was told it could be in a "limp mode" of sorts. It sounds reasonable.

[maxnix]

Limp mode in old RE4 was 3, or the direct ratio.

If RE5 fails the same way, it would be 4.

Just check any connections around where you were working. Don't know why loss of power would reset TCU, but I guess it might. Doesn't on the OBD II FGY33.

[theska]

This is embarrassing, but interesting. I took the stabilizer bar off that rests under the transmission to get at the starter. I replaced it after the starter project proved too daunting. I replaced the bar. The horrific vibration/sound coming from what seemed like the transmission was troubling. The local shop couldn't come up with an answer and I made an appointment with the dealer. In a last ditch effort, I thought about what was last touched in the process. The stabilizer bar. I took it off and flipped it over and re-attached. Amazingly, that did it!!! The bar wasn't touching anything initially, but apparently is sensitive. It was hard to tell it was on incorrectly, as the bend in the bar was in alignment. Odd, but a pleasant surprise and solution.

[maxnix]

Thinking is good! Congratulations!