Automatic Trans. "limp-home" mode

[09quickly]

I recently bought a 1992 240 SX convertible with 165,000 miles. Auto Trans. is in limp-home mode, (Goes into reverse, Drive begins and ends in 3rd gear, no upshifting or downshifting forward gears.) Is there an "easy" way to determine which of the electronic components may be bad that control the shifting? Trans. was allegedly replaced approx. 60k ago, so hopefully it is the electonics and not the trans. itself. Rather than taking it in for diagnostics, I would like to do this in my garage with limited test equipment. Any suggestions, (good ones) or words of wisdom from experience will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, 09quickly.

[KDashy]

Could be your MAFS, if its getting no signal the ECU wont let your engine go past a certain rpm to keep it from damaging itself.

[chrislis]

It's you MAF, go read my new thread "I'm in florida, car's in florida, post-breakdown!" and also... http://www.chrisliseatsblogspot.blogspot.com

[09quickly]

Thanks. Now for a dumber question. What is my MAF? where is it located? easy to remove/replace? expensive? Junkyard alternative? I drove this car home, it runs fine, will idle all day long, drives smoothly, takes off s-l-o-w-l-y but runs smooth until about 45 mph, when it wants to shift but can't. 09quickly.

[chrislis]

your MAF is you mass air flow sensor. I don't know much about where it's located, but I know it's not a cheap part. Mine new was $450, if you go to a junkyard you can probly find one in any 240sx for 50-100. They had one for my car for 75, but I decided to get a new one.

[09quickly]

Thanks, that gives me a good starting point. I have the repair manual on CD, so maybe I can find out more about it there. Thanks again for your help. 09quickly.

[Bronze MFP]

damn you! me and a buddy were both eyeing that car!!! its the one with the old 300z wheels right? man im jealous.Hope you get her fixed, that was an awesome deal.

[09quickly]

That's the same reaction my wife had when I brought it home! I hope I am not in over my head with this thing. So far, it looks good. EVERYTHING could use a little something: Interior, body, TRANS.!, motor (oil leaks), supension, but most of it looks minor and looks like stuff I can do, so I am excited. I figured for $900, I can't get too screwed (famous last words), 09quickly.

[nonvtecaccord]

that's what I got mine for, but my KA had enough metal in the oil to make a new crank.

[Bronze MFP]

well if you ever need any help, there are a few nico guys in charlotte who can help, myself included.