stuck in higher gear?
mad miket
10-22-2006, 01:00 PM
my wife was driving our van and i tjust started running funny. it doesnt have any power and kinda stutters when put in gear. if you drive it it feels like you are pulling a load or like the brakes are locked up (brakes are good i checked) i am thinking that maybe the transmission is screwed or maybe the cat is clogged????? i really need help everybody we only have two cars and are now down to one
RIP
10-22-2006, 03:38 PM
What year, engine, tranny? Happen all the time or just when it's hot or cold, up ,down hills, etc. Getting check engine light (CEL)? Work any better if you hold it in 2nd or 3rd gear? First step is go to Autozone and have them download any fault codes that may be set. No CEL does not equal no fault codes sometimes.
mad miket
10-22-2006, 10:02 PM
we had to tow it home from the interstate and the next day i was able to start it up and drive it around the block it seemed fine i came home to get my wife to follow me to autozone to check the cel at it started acting up again i live in a very hilly local and i am probably 5 miles from autozone they said i would have to buy the code reader my motor is a 3.8 and i am not real sure of the transmission other than that it is a 4 speed auto it is a 1997
RIP
10-23-2006, 12:48 AM
Never heard of an Autozone that wouldn't read the codes for you and by the way they do it free of charge. Stay away from that Autozone and spread the word.
You can read basic code info in your driveway. Not sure this procedure will give you transmission fault codes but, try it anyway. Turn your key from off to on (not start) three times, leaving it on. Now count the number of flashes from the CEL. A code 23 would be flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash. There will be a longer pause between codes. All codes are two digits. When you count two sets of 5 flashes (55), it indicates the test is complete. You may get a code 12. It only means you disconnected the battery in the past. Read it several times to make sure you read it correctly. Once you get the codes come back here. Would be best to find a scanner. Other auto parts stores will check it for you for a fee. Try Sears or PepBoys or maybe a more accommodating Autozone. Call first.
When you say it's stuck in high gear are you saying when you start off from a dead stop it won't shift through the gears from 1st through 4th and it feels like it's never in 1st? Did you try to manually shift the gears by putting the gear shift lever in 3rd, 2nd, or L? Make sure the tranny fluid level is good.
How long has it been since you changed the tranny fluid and filter? ...changed the fuel filter? ...changed the spark plugs?
Ok. Your Autozone is off the hook, sort of. This says "most stores..." http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/free_testing.htm They should have at least directed you to another nearby AZ that is able to read codes and not just try to empty your wallet.
You can read basic code info in your driveway. Not sure this procedure will give you transmission fault codes but, try it anyway. Turn your key from off to on (not start) three times, leaving it on. Now count the number of flashes from the CEL. A code 23 would be flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash. There will be a longer pause between codes. All codes are two digits. When you count two sets of 5 flashes (55), it indicates the test is complete. You may get a code 12. It only means you disconnected the battery in the past. Read it several times to make sure you read it correctly. Once you get the codes come back here. Would be best to find a scanner. Other auto parts stores will check it for you for a fee. Try Sears or PepBoys or maybe a more accommodating Autozone. Call first.
When you say it's stuck in high gear are you saying when you start off from a dead stop it won't shift through the gears from 1st through 4th and it feels like it's never in 1st? Did you try to manually shift the gears by putting the gear shift lever in 3rd, 2nd, or L? Make sure the tranny fluid level is good.
How long has it been since you changed the tranny fluid and filter? ...changed the fuel filter? ...changed the spark plugs?
Ok. Your Autozone is off the hook, sort of. This says "most stores..." http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/free_testing.htm They should have at least directed you to another nearby AZ that is able to read codes and not just try to empty your wallet.
mad miket
10-23-2006, 01:30 PM
Do you know where to check what the codes mean or do you know what they mean? I believe I pulled them off correctly 38, 43, and 31 if you know what they are thanks in advance.
RIP
10-23-2006, 02:47 PM
38 = Not listed. Try reading it again.
43 = Coil and/or ignition misfire problems
31 = Evaporative control system failures
Here's one source:http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1a/41/40/0900823d801a4140.jsp
As you might read there, what you have read off your CEL are what's termed MIL Codes. They give you a general idea of what systems are effected. Scanner or OBDII Codes (scroll down further at Autozone) give you more detailed information and can make it easier to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes up to six OBDII codes fall under one MIL code. Recommend you find somewhere to get a download with a scanner for more specific code information.
For the second step, I HIGHLY recommend, you buy a Haynes or Chiltons maintenance manual for your van especially if you want to DIY this. At the very least it will give you component locations and background information on how systems work. The best thing is it has test procedures you can perform to pinpoint the problem. Around $18 at any auto parts store or at Amazon.com. Or your local library may have one you can sign out. The Autozone site is a good source for info but, you can't beat a manual. I buy a manual for every car I own and have easily saved 2 grand because of it.
Based on your MIL codes some simple things to look at would be the coil and spark plug connections. Make sure they are tight and not corroded. Check all the vacuum hoses and connections on the EVAP system for cracks and broken hoses. Check the Autozone site and "your future manual" for locations. Keep in touch.
By any chance did your wife run through a big puddle or did you have heavy rains recently? Might have soaked everything.
43 = Coil and/or ignition misfire problems
31 = Evaporative control system failures
Here's one source:http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1a/41/40/0900823d801a4140.jsp
As you might read there, what you have read off your CEL are what's termed MIL Codes. They give you a general idea of what systems are effected. Scanner or OBDII Codes (scroll down further at Autozone) give you more detailed information and can make it easier to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes up to six OBDII codes fall under one MIL code. Recommend you find somewhere to get a download with a scanner for more specific code information.
For the second step, I HIGHLY recommend, you buy a Haynes or Chiltons maintenance manual for your van especially if you want to DIY this. At the very least it will give you component locations and background information on how systems work. The best thing is it has test procedures you can perform to pinpoint the problem. Around $18 at any auto parts store or at Amazon.com. Or your local library may have one you can sign out. The Autozone site is a good source for info but, you can't beat a manual. I buy a manual for every car I own and have easily saved 2 grand because of it.
Based on your MIL codes some simple things to look at would be the coil and spark plug connections. Make sure they are tight and not corroded. Check all the vacuum hoses and connections on the EVAP system for cracks and broken hoses. Check the Autozone site and "your future manual" for locations. Keep in touch.
By any chance did your wife run through a big puddle or did you have heavy rains recently? Might have soaked everything.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025