robp2003

Hi out there....im hopeing some one out there can help me with a problem....i have a 1990 mitsubishi galant 2.0 auto.has the econo/power switch as well as the push butten over drive on/off.my question is....does anyone know what may cause the trans to be stuck in third gear?the car shifts with no problem from park to drive and into revears,and drives but onely in 3rd(takes off in third no shifting)i can drive 20-80 no prob.at any speeds i can shift the leaver down into low 2/1 with no effect whats so ever.....im kinda hoping its somthing simple....i.e...filter replace/senser/somthing like that....so anyone have any ideas?thanks......

RockinWRX

Can't really help you too much with that , I'm afraid. My Galant is a 5-spd. The only thing I can suggest is that the auto trannies are completely computer controlled , so you may be looking at a bad sensor or a bad actuator inside the tranny itself. Good luck.

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'90 Galant GSX , AWD , 5spd. Waiting on an engine swap.
'03 WRX wagon , AWD , 5spd. Waiting on a paycheck.

GaLaNt_DOHC_89

Alot of tranny shops will check that kinda stuff out for free.
Your tranny may just be gone or it could be low on fluid.
But anyways good luck with your prob.

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Da Diamonds Are Gonna Get Ya.

robbanks111

If your trans is stuck in 3rd gear with the only options of neut., revers, and park then you trans is stuck in a mode called limp mode. I have the same problem with my 91 that I have . I have changed out the trans. computer and the pulse sensors and was told to unhook the battery for 10 minutes and it should clear it ..but guess what its still stuck in limp mode . my buddy worked at mitsubishi for 5 years but have not been able to get ahold of him as of yet. I know im close to figuring it out so be patient ill post as soon as I find out or pm me tomorrow .

Mk3Supra

You sure about that "limp mode" ? Usually , limp mode still allows the car to be driven. OBD-1 rules generally dictate the car must be allowed to be driven short distances , but under conservative timing , fuel , and shifting maps. Sounds like this is a much deeper problem than just being in "limp mode"

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Traded my old broken Supra for a 300Z

bunalmis

Hello

I have 91 model mitsubishi galant and i have same problem.

I open the cover of ECU unit. I didnt find any demaged components.
I ask to me "what happen if i dont install ECU to car" and i test it.

Car is working without ECU and transmition problem continue (3.gear fix)
I am looking answer. I will continue to use without ECU.

robp2003 if you find any data please sent to me.

robbanks111

Originally Posted by robbanks111
If your trans is stuck in 3rd gear with the only options of neut., revers, and park then you trans is stuck in a mode called limp mode. I have the same problem with my 91 that I have . I have changed out the trans. computer and the pulse sensors and was told to unhook the battery for 10 minutes and it should clear it ..but guess what its still stuck in limp mode . my buddy worked at mitsubishi for 5 years but have not been able to get ahold of him as of yet. I know im close to figuring it out so be patient ill post as soon as I find out or pm me tomorrow .

I called the mitubishi service department and talked to the a tech that works on transmissions . He said I was missing 12 volts some where.

I replaced the transmission computer because when my car dumped into 3 gear. I was on the freeway and could smell electical burning like something had fried. The trans. comp had phisicaly damaged components. I am beginning to wonder if it didn't damage something on the comp for the engin as well..? god this sucks..

bunalmis

Last day I send an email to service and I wrote my experiences.

Thank you very much, I received some answer.

They said this

" If a car has an electrical problem inside or outside of ECU, Electronic control units (ECU) automaticaly cancelled and hydraulic system selects the 3.gears.

Purpose of the this automatic process; driver must continue go to way."

Really good answer.

I found my problem

Red colored IC demaged you can see at the following link

http://www.geocities.com/cnc_designer/ECU2.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/cnc_designer/ECU1.JPG

gmech

Bunalmis, the links of the pictures you posted don't seem to work. can you repost working links?

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bunalmis

These address working no any problem

write these adress to explorer manualy

www.geocities.com/cnc_designer/ECU2.JPG
www.geocities.com/cnc_designer/ECU2.JPG

Also I found web address and they sell cheaper ECU.

If you take and install your car, please write to us the result.

ECU seller's address http://store.yahoo.com/dpstore/chrys.html

I didnt take new ECU and my problem continue.

gmech

Rob, not sure if the following applies to your situation, but there's two technical service bulletins, i.e., (TSB 193 and TSB 193A) that discuss 'Third Gear Starts'. Apparently the problem can occur as a result of incorrectly installed transmission pulse generators.

The TSBs read as follows:

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TSB 193A (superscedes TSB 193)

"A third gear (limp-in) condition after rebuild can be caused by pulse generator "A" and "B" installed in the incorrect location.

Pulse generator "A" senses the rpm of the sun gear shell (or the turbine shaft on some models) and has solid green wires leading to it. Pulse generator "B" senses the rpm of the transfer shaft and has green wires with a black tracer. The length of the wires can vary from model to model. Do not install the pulse generators based on wire length.

Caution: The first design (round) pulse generator connector has the same configuration as some mass airflow sensor connectors. The second design (rectangular) pulse generator connector has the same configuration as the second design solenoid harness connector. It is possible on some models to cross-connect these components resulting in limp-in mode (third gear only)."

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TSB 193: (replaced with 193A)

"A third gear (limp-in) condition after rebuild can be caused by pulse generator A and B installed in the incorrect location.

Pulse generator A has solid green wires leading to it. Pulse generator B has green wires with a black tracer. THE PULSE GENERATOR LOCATION CLOSEST TO THE BELL HOUSING SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE A GENERATOR WITH SOLID GREEN WIRES REGARDLESS OF THE LENGTH OF THE WIRES. The length of the wires can vary from model to model. Do not install generators by wire length.

It's also possible, on earlier units, to accidently get the pulse generator harness connector and the Mass Air Flow sensor harness connectors cross-connected. If this happens, one harness will appear to be a little bit too short, and have to be pulled a bit to be connected. This will also result in limp in, with stored pulse generator trouble codes.

NOTE: On some vehicles it is possible to cross-connect the solenoid connector and pulse generator plugs, also resulting in limp-in."
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bunalmis

Do you remember also my car has same problem.

Now I am sure and I know my ECU demaged.

I solder the long cable to selenoid drivers (transistors ouputs). These are inside of ECU and I connect a commutator.

Now I can select the any gear of trans unit using electronic commutator and I use my car at this condition. My car now not automatic gear but I drive since 6 month.

coeus

I have the same problem. I bought this car for 5 years and found out recently that the transmission computer was not connected and I can still drive but always in the third gear. Can anyone tell me how to fix this problem?

jadebakokoy

can someone tell me why does water is entering in the inatake manifold mostly in piston no#2 it causes overheating water is splating out in the radiator mouth pls help cant figure out what to de here