Can I replace the shift solenoid

[joeshannallie]

Is it hard to replace the shift solenoid on a 2001 Montana. It wants to start out in 2nd gear when it is started. That is what Advance said I needed on their code thing. Surely this can be done without having to have a transmission shop do it. Reply and let me know.

[Tech II]

Depends on your expertise......yes it is hard.....hardest part is removing the sidecover from the tranny.....

The other thing is, how do you know it's the solenoid? Was it properly diagnosed? Could be the harness inside the tranny.......could be the harness outside the tranny.....major job like this, should be diagnosed by someone who knows what they are doing, instead of throwing parts at it....I only say this, because another shop replaced a solenoid, and the vehicle had the same problem, and the problem eventually came to us.....the problem turned out to be a rub through problem, where the wire loom was up against a stud, and the stud wore through the loom and created a wiring problem.....

The other thing is, while you are in there, I would also be replaceing BOTH shift solenoids and the pressure control solenoid, and the harness too(if diagnosis leads you to removing the side cover to replace one of the shift solenoids).....

[olopezm]

If I understand right and it will start when the selected gear is other than P or N then your problem is not a shift solenoid but the Neutral Safety Switch.

It should be located on top or the side of the transmission; you can follow the shifting linkage from the shift lever to it.

Oscar.

[joeshannallie]

Thanks for the replys. I should have explained a little different. Two different places says it shows on the code thing that it needs a oxygen sensor and a shift solenoid. It starts fine in Park as it should and every now and then when you put it in drive it is like it is in 2nd. Not all the time just sometimes it will do this. Please reply soon with your thoughts.

Originally Posted by olopezm

If I understand right and it will start when the selected gear is other than P or N then your problem is not a shift solenoid but the Neutral Safety Switch.

It should be located on top or the side of the transmission; you can follow the shifting linkage from the shift lever to it.

Oscar.

[olopezm]

I see, I was totally wrong...

In that case I would follow Tech II's advice about diagnosing it first. The transmission bulk connector or the attached (internal) wiring can get damaged if some repairs have been done previously.

Transmission internals are beyond my little knowledge but I would make sure the connections on the outside are clean and tight. I don't know where the connector is located on that transmission but should definitely be near the side cover.

Oscar.