96S Possible Trans. Issue? (Thin out the options)

Hi guys, 1st time poster. I wanna keep it real brief, kinda get to the issue. I've seen several others posts bout similar probs, so maybe someone can help.

I have a 96 Galant S. Stock eng/trans. No changes. I purchased this car knowing it had a undiagnosed issue with the trans possibly. I drove it a 1/4 mi and saw for myself. The Galant would not shift out of 1st, it seemed almost stuck in 1st. The engine revved, close to 4000rpms. Just wouldn't shift to second.

I've asked around and I've gotten everything from "It's an o2 sensor in the trans. needing replacement" to "Take the governor off and it should be fine" to the most recent and most likely from the sound and who its coming from(an import familiar mechanic) - "It's an electrical solenoid possibly gone out, which you'll have to remove the trans and replace the entire valve body AND solenoid which will run like 300-400 dollars".

Has anyone had a similar problem? I'm not really worried about the 300-400 cost, but, it seems kinda weird I could potentially replace the entire trans for close to the same cost for the cost of replacing a solenoid/valve body. I just want to figure out what the issue is because my only other option is my gas guzzling Chevy lowrider which has its own transmission issues(gears stripping/slipping from 1st to 3rd).

Any advice, suggestions or feedback on possible given diagnosis gladly appreciated.

- J

Any advice, suggestions or feedback on possible given diagnosis gladly appreciated.


Well, almost a year later, im getting around to messin with it.

Got it fired up today, but thats another story.

Any suggestions on a potential cause? o2 sensors/bad TCU module?/an issue with the governor? Trans fluid looks a1, so dont think its an internal problem.

And is there not a fuse for the fuel pump relay? I have to find a haynes for this whip cause i aint seeing it on the diagram on top of the fuse box under the hood.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Not having much success on the replies here either. Here's some pics and video.

Its hard to make out much on the video, but down there what i zoomed in on, it looked like the cable or wires coming from the governor had been clipped or f'd up period, and had been poorly retaped. May be a cause of the issue, idk. But some video in the engine, around the car, etc.

Had 2 U/L on Youtube since .flv wouldnt upload here. My 96 S (Quick runthru, shot of governor/around car) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OMQoCsjgoc)

You might not be able to make much out on that wire/cable im talking about, but at least you know im tryna shoot yall as much info as i can. Its getting dark but im about to go out and use a light and try to take a flash picture of the wire at the governor

sorry the photos arent crystal clear, im using a $39 video camera and using its digicam utility. but you can at least see what im talking about......


Also, I've googled a bit and got a few different answers, nothing concrete. Where are the starter/fuel pump relays located?