89 Supra, auto tranny, no kickdown, no power mode

Help Please. My 89 N/A Supra with auto transmission recently quit
going into power mode, like suddenly, not gradually. Also, it won't
go into passing gear even with pedal to the floor, with or without
power selector on. I read that this might be a problem with a lockup
solonoid? Anybody know what could be causing this? I have changed
transmission fluid and added Lucas additive hoping for a miracle fix, but it is still not fixed.
Also, code 42 has been on for a long time for #1 speed sensor. I
didn't figure this was the cause of my trouble because the error
code has been there for a long time before power mode and passing
gear quit working. Transmission still shifts into all gears fine,
just will not power shift when I need it to now. Is this torque convertor trouble? When this first happened, I was driving in standard mode when the transmission suddenly sounded like it had been knocked into neutral for a few seconds, then back to normal, except will not kick down for passing or more power. Your help appreciated!

bj

Hi

The same exact thing happened to me on my '87 7MGE. I thought it was the solenoids in the valve body as well, Im 95% sure its going to be your TPS ( throttle position sensor ). I was checking it and realized i was getting NO reading from the sensor...the internals of mine rotted out after years of cleaning my engine. I bought a new one, and now i have perfect tranny function.. it was about $85.00 U.S. at the dealership.

Make sure you adjust the sensor correctly or the computer will the get the wrong data from the throttle body and then not behave right. Of course, whenever cleaing the engine bay.. cover any exposed electronics best you can and hand clean wherever possible.

Good luck!!

Hi

The same exact thing happened to me on my '87 7MGE. I thought it was the solenoids in the valve body as well, Im 95% sure its going to be your TPS ( throttle position sensor ). I was checking it and realized i was getting NO reading from the sensor...the internals of mine rotted out after years of cleaning my engine. I bought a new one, and now i have perfect tranny function.. it was about $85.00 U.S. at the dealership.

Make sure you adjust the sensor correctly or the computer will the get the wrong data from the throttle body and then not behave right. Of course, whenever cleaing the engine bay.. cover any exposed electronics best you can and hand clean wherever possible.

Good luck!!

Hi! Thanks for the info. I asked about this kickdown problem a few months back. I recently added a new speedometer cable so that took care of the speed sensor problem, code #42. I also had a good mechanic check out the kickdown cable, he adjusted it some, but it didn't help the problem. I am not getting any codes of other problems, but still have no kickdown. Do problems with throttle position sensor show up as a code usually? I have no codes showing up now. Now, I have other problems. Like, big deer and supras don't mix well at 65 mph. I got a busted headlight bucket and brackets, dented front nose, grill, and bumper, then thankfully, he flew over the top of the car instead of coming on into the windshield. Of course, I had just canceled all but liability insurance a few months before. I love this car, had it over 5 years, will be looking for parts to replace the dented ones. I have already located and bought the headlight bucket and cover. I will replace parts as I can, and keep this car. I love driving it, and even with its dents, people still comment about how they have always wanted a Supra, and to let them know if I ever decide to sell it. Thanks for all help!
BJ

$hitty deal with the dear man... They're always jumpin infront of me..

the TPS will not always throw a code, especially if its just misadjusted.. And can cause trans shift problems if its badly mis-adjusted..

I would test it first, and if it tests OK, adjust it properly..

btw.. Does your o/d light ever blink? Your tranny can store codes just like the ECU

Thanks again for the info. Is there any way to test the TPS without an Olmmeter? How do I know if it works properly, and how do you adjust one if it isn't? Do I need to buy a new one instead? I have had the blinking O/D light before, that was when my speedometer cable broke. There are no more codes showing on transmission (O/D light doesn't blink and old code was erased when speedometer replaced) or on the check engine light for ECU codes. I have even checked codes for ABS system, no codes there. Also, anyone out there have the passenger side headlight surround that would fit my 89? I bought another used bucket and arms for my damaged one, but it didn't have the surrounding plastic when I got it. BTW, I'm female, someone somewhere said not many females drive Supras. I LOVE mine, but it needs some cosmetic help right now. Before owning this Supra for past five years, I once owned and drove a 78 Celica GT hatchback for 13 years. It had over 350,000 actual miles on it when I gave it away with 5 spd transmission going out. The only thing I ever replaced on that car was oil, tires, brakes, and a new clutch the first 6 months I owned it. I hauled everything in it, even a full size hot water heater at one time. Great dependable cars.

$hitty deal with the dear man... They're always jumpin infront of me..

the TPS will not always throw a code, especially if its just misadjusted.. And can cause trans shift problems if its badly mis-adjusted..

I would test it first, and if it tests OK, adjust it properly..

btw.. Does your o/d light ever blink? Your tranny can store codes just like the ECU