Runs like a dream, AND THEN... (Transmission help)

[lilleyvanilli]

Thank you folks, in advance for any insight into my problem:

I am driving 35mph and it feels like transmission slipped into neutral. No big bang... no fluid anywhere... engine still running fine... and never any slow shifts, slippage, weird shifting, etc. to tell me "hmm, I think my transmission's going to go next month". ALL gears are dead and no weird sounds, shifter shifts into all gears good and tight. I added 1/2 qt of fluid, as it was down below the cold mark, once I got troubleshooting. But never any leaking fluid in the driveway.

What's been done:

Ran transmission codes and the long blink is #7 ("Torque Converter/Clutch solenoid valve [=lockup] circuit")

Q:Can anyone tell me what to check on this circuit? Is it just a dead Torque Conv.?

What's not been done:

No cleaning of connectors at TCU, or elsewhere. No checking of other things, as I don't know what to check. I hear certain things should be checked for functionality BEFORE you run transmission codes, but with all gears gone, can't I cut to the chase?

Thank you SO much for any guidance. I'm getting scared. and all this when I'm moving by the end of the month!!

[krdk]

sounds like your clutch solenoid is stuck out, which means no shifty. its like trying to drive a stick without letting out the clutch,, you can shift between the gears and rev the engin but no go. depending on the transmission, it could be a transmission tear down or it could be as simple as a bad fuse, cable or connection.

[mtcookson]

I don't mean to scare you more... but that's exactly what my transmission did in my 91 GXE before having to get it rebuilt. Driving down the road at about the same speed, slowed for some railroad tracks, crossed and got back on the gas only to not accelerate at all.

We ended up taking it to the trans shop for a full rebuild coming out to nearly $1800 if I recall correctly. If it is something as simple as a switch it could be possible to replace that switch. Sadly I didn't know much about cars at the time so didn't try fixing it myself so I don't have any experience to help you out further.

[lilleyvanilli]

Yes, Perhaps this is the case? Does anyone know if a clutch solenoid (auto trans.) can be further tested? Can it be installed, if faulty, without dropping the transmission? I'm afraid. Very afraid...

[krdk]

most auto trannys have to be torn down just to get to it, did you look for cables that might be bad coming form the transmission? rub marks or buns and the such?

[TJcars2]

If it's your solenoid, You would most likely need to drop your pan to get to it because all the connectors and such are inside the pan.

While you're in there you might as well replace your filter and fluid.

I hope this helps and you get it fixed.