TCU readouts

Just went to Mr. Transmission today, he checked everything out: I had burnt tranny fluid (Trans is in limp/safe mode so it starts in 3rd) but this could be a sign or starting in 3rd. He couldn't get any codes from the TCU and the only codes he got from the engine computer were: 24 VSS CKT, and 61 ELC-4AT (torque reduction). I am no mechanic and I do not know what this means and have had no luck trying on google. I've been reading on 3si a lot and it seems like it could be the TCU, a solenoid, pulse generator, or some of the wiring itself. My car also has the shift lock broken, could be the same problem or not. Can anyone help me out? I'm not driving the car often becuase of its problem, I really just need a diagram of where the pulse generator is located so I can try that. And if someone could direct me to the solenoid too that would help, thanks. If you have ANY information you would like to share I am definetly interested.

One last question: how loud about is the infamous "lifter tick"? I think I may have this problem but it is quite loud, sounds like an exhuast leak or maybe even a knocking rod, thanks.

here's a good thread on TCUs and ATXs. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=594435

i did a lot of research a while back. i recall there are a few links talking about pulse generators, their operations, problems, and pictures/locations.

EDIT: here is a thread that talks ALL about pulse generators. pics on the 2nd page. http://www.3si.org/forum/showthread.php?t=344627&page=1&pp=10

Thank you very much! I actually opened up the TCU and found a very very small leak out of the one of the top plastic devices. It is near the white brakets and is a tall cyliner that is black, had some dark substance near the bottom, I cleaned it but It may need to be replaced. Ill check my pulse gens tomorrow, thanks buddy.

Thank you very much! I actually opened up the TCU and found a very very small leak out of the one of the top plastic devices. It is near the white brakets and is a tall cyliner that is black, had some dark substance near the bottom, I cleaned it but It may need to be replaced. Ill check my pulse gens tomorrow, thanks buddy.

sounds like a leaky capacitor. I've never opened up a TCU before so I couldn't tell you for sure, but I know the capacitors in the 1st gen ECU's are known to leak. Of course, a capacitor could leak at any given moment. If you post a picture, we could for sure tell you, or your mechanic could tell you as well. If it is indeed a leaking capacitor, it will need to be replaced. Pretty cheap fix though.

Yeah I hope it is, I dont have my camara with me right now or i would, it was a dark oily liquid, i hope that is the problem, thanks though. Oh and how loud are the lifter ticks? could you just give me a ball park answer thatd be fine thanks.

Lifter tick is annoying. When it's cold out and I need an oil change, I can hear it if my windows are down and I'm idling. Generally I can't hear it with the windows up, or when I'm driving.

If it's louder, or if it increases with rpms...it maybe a spun bearing.

its seems a good idea, and it appears that most people, when they do the 120k service which involves changing the VSS, that they also toss in 3rd gen lifters at that same time. since changing the VSS involves removing the stock lifters, it only makes sense to upgrade.

so that's something i have to look forward to in 30k miles :)

Lifter tick isn't overly loud. Before I replaced my lifters, it would tick pretty bad on startup and then go away after a few mins. I could still hear it when my car was idling though.

Do you hear a really rapid ticking? And does it kinda sound like its coming more from under the dash and not the engine? If so, and with everything else you described, then you prolly just have a leaking capacitor. Easy to fix if you can solder.

Yeah, soon me and my buddies will be taking off the plenum and ill be definetly looking more in depth at what you suggest, thanks. It get more rapid the more I accelerate, i can hear it clearly with the hood open and if im passing thorugh a narrow bridge with a sidewall or something. Sometimes if i just have my foot on the gas enough to maintain one speed i can hear it with the windows up while driving.

Only thing I can ever here in a tunnel is exhaust leak. My lifter tick is never that loud. Wait for a cold morning, pull the car out of the garage and get on the ground and look under it for any exhaust coming out where it shouldn't be.

Yeah i have that problem too so the noise might be just that, im getting it fixed this weekend for 20 dollars at some place near my school, thanks.