Q trans problem

[tim1000]

Only works in reverse and 3rd gear. Can't figure this out. it's a 1991 Q45.

[OwnerCS]

How many miles?

Any maintenance history?

When did the problem begin?

Does it start in 3rd gear or is that the only shift position that works going forward?

[tim1000]

I start up the car, back out the drive, put in drive and it immediately goes into 3rd gear. Doesn't matter, hot or cold. I can put in D, 3, 2, or 1 and it's all 3rd gear. I'm again trying the old disconnect the battery trick. See what happens. Car has 350k miles on it, and the engine only 30k. Trans was rebuilt by Amco Transmission a couple years ago. BTW, that shop sucks. Don't ever go there.

[rabsusa]

no info from dash??? like my spare car has trans malfunction lite up

[tim1000]

Nothing on the dash. Bulb is out and frankly don't see anything, even with a flash light.

[elwesso]

really without the diagnostic display we can only guess what the problem is. it's most likely in fail safe. best thing to do would be to test the voltage of every major component at the TCU and see what's abnormal, then tracing the problem from there.

[mattd1979]

You may also just have a blown transmission fuse. That has happened before, causing the transmission to go into failsafe. I believe the fuse is located in the fuse panel under the hood.

[BCC93QT]

My dash light works very sporadically. I can usually see what it has to say with a flashlight or sun hitting it. Take it out next sunny day and do some 3 point turns to get the sun on it, you will be able to read it.

[Infinitiguy19]

By dash light do you me the Diagnostic screen? Low Fuel/Washer/Door Open....?

[BCC93QT]

Yes, the actual background light on the diagnostic screen