crazy control panel

[discouraged]

Since installing a rebuilt transmission in February this year, my tach and speedometer go crazy and the ECU is "filled with error codes" (says auto electronics specialist). "Passkey system fault" displays - all same problems that 96aurora thread queried with Indy8 suggestion to replace ECU. But the tach and tach head check OK and we've installed 2 new ECUs. Problem continues. Also sometimes feels like I lose power steering. All intermittent. In the last year we also had to put in new transmission selonoid (it lasted 366 days on a 365 day warranty), replaced ABS valve and motor assembly, steering rack, input speed sensor, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator and CD player. The specialists have no clue at this point, except one thinks it's "static electricity". Any suggestions? (Besides hauling it to the boneyard) thanks!

[bustedratchet]

I would start by checking for pinched or broken or wires, Plugs not put together right. Sounds like it started happening after the tranny job.

[discouraged]

Thanks, Bustedratchet. You're right, no problem at all with the instrument panel until the transmission was replaced. Neither the tranny shop or the auto electronics specialist we took the car to would trace out the wiring, which they describe as "a nightmare."
We have the wiring diagrams and my hubby knows how to read them, but we don't know how to get to the wiring harness. Is there a manual somewhere? But it doesn't sound like a do-it-yourself job, so can anyone recommend a shop in the Seattle/Tacoma/Auburn/Puyallup WA state area?

[Indy8]

I would threaten the trans shop with small claims court if they don't at least help resolve the problems.

[bustedratchet]

Other than schematics there is no manual for where the wires are located. The trans shop may have dropped the whole cradle and engine to do the job. So it could be anywhere I agree with Indy keep hounding the tranny shop till they do something.

[michelq]

disco.try to check ground wires at the bottom and side of transmission,more ground wires around the coil pack,Iget this very often after trans instalation
hope this help.thanks
michel

[discouraged]

Thanks, all. We'll be talking to the trans shop tomorrow and will ask that they begin with your suggestion, michelq. I've discovered that both tach and speedometer will settle down if I hit the computer display reset button when the "passkey system fault" message displays. But this lasts only until the ignition's turned off. Problem's there next time we start the car. Does this indicate a particular wiring or computer glitch?

[michelq]

I would say wiring related problem

[SteVB]

yeah, sounds like a pinched wiring harness for sure, especially after the rebuild install.TOO much of a co-incidence..........

[discouraged]

I really appeciate all your input as even the "electronics specialists" we went to seem clueless and we have to ask them to check the specific things you've suggested.Trans shop checked the ground wires as OK. They still say the instrument panel problems and computer error messages are "coincidence." But they're sending us to another shop with instructions to bill them if the problems prove to be caused by them. (I'm skeptical as the shop owner is father of one of the trans shop partners.) 96Aurora says he cleared up identical problem with new wiring harness and new alternator. But our wiring harness was "removed and sent out for inspection" and replaced. Does that eliminate the possibility of "pinched" wiring harness being the problem? Also the electronics shop cracked my center console and tore the fabric on the instrument panel cover. They're supposed to replace these with good used parts - but haven't found any locally (and I don't think they're looking very hard). Does anyone have a resource? Thanks!

[dsatt12]

Originally Posted by discouraged

Does anyone have a resource? Thanks!

Your local yellow pages under "attorneys".

Seriously though- check ebay for Aurora parts auctions. Usually the seller is parting out a non-functional car and will say in the listing that they have many other parts available if you ask. Beyond that many salvage yards have an online presence where you can request parts if not look at what they have sitting around. I like Yahoo's business catagories to help find them over google. They can be hard to come by in junkyards though. Stuff keeps breaking on everyone else's for some reason...

[discouraged]

Thanks, everyone for your help. Wish I'd found this site long ago - I'd've dumped my Aurora. They're clearly plagued with problems. I love the way my '95 handles, and it has saved me and my grandchildren from serious injury on the freeway twice because of its handling ability. But I could have a Lexus 1/3 paid for with the dollars that have gone into keeping it running this year alone. FYI, in case someone else has a similar problem: a second ground between the transmission and ECM took care of most of the instrument panel problems. But the tach still dances.

[khalidjamal123]

may be trans was rebuilt using a different ratio