Auto transmission won't shift into third

[Artyracer]

The problem: Transmission won't shift from second to third or OD. In "D" it shifts fine from first to second, no problems with reverse. If I go through the gears manually, 1st to 2nd shifts nice and clean and stays in second when I put it in drive. I notice no change when I turn the OD on and off. Took it to a transmission shop and they hooked it up to their computer. It came back with a "open or shorted 2nd shift circuit". Replaced the shift solenoids, flushed the transmission and its still doing the same thing. While I was re-installing the valve body, I connected the wiring and turned the ignition to on, no error codes (gave me that nasty little flashing prior to changeing the solenoids). If I unhook the battery and clear the codes, the OD light will come on and go off like it's supposed to. I can run the engine, shut it off, re-start and no codes. Once I shift it with the engine running, the OD light does that nasty little flashing on re-start. I figured for my next step, drop the pan and start chasing wires. (The car did sit in a field for about two years before I came across it). At least that way I can confirm/eliminate the wiring harness as the issue. After that, I'm not quite sure which way to go. I was wondering if anyone has run into a problem like this? Also, will an auto transmission from an S14 fit an S13? Any info, suggestions or words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Modified by Artyracer at 11:58 PM 1/31/2009

[jetroy240]

First of all, I would follow the self diagnostic procedures assuming u don't have the Consult scan tool for Nissan , just refer to FSM (Factory service manual) & read the judgement flicker light of OD . Since u got new solenoids already, I suspect u got a wiring problem between solenoids & A/T control unit could be shorted or open. Check & inspect the connectors of solenoids & A/T control unit. I would concentrate on the wiring of solenoids to A/T control unit, see if there's good continuity or shorted to ground , see wiring diagram at FSM . If wiring circuit is good, try to swap a known good A/T control unit. There's an inspection table for A/T control unit for what signal u should have at certain conditions , again see FSM. If control unit did not take care of it, u have a bad valve body, possible 2-3 shift valve stuck. I would check the TPS operation also just to make sure.

[Artyracer]

Electrical side of the issue has been solved. Seems there is a grounding strap on the underside of the car, right next to the cat. conv. heat shield that had been cut off, all that was left was a tiny nub that used to be a wiring connector. Jumpered it to a good ground and everything started working right, at least on the electrical side. Tomorrow the pan goes back on, it gets flushed again and we'll see what happens.And to jetroy240, Thanks.

[lexrob]

did that resolve the issue totally mine does the EXACT same thing i bought another transmission for 30 to get sol. from but where was that grounding strap????