97 t&c transmission problems

[bradscar]

Great running car suddenly goes into default 2nd gear mode driving in heavy rain.. Shifts from L to neutral, but will stay in good running L no slipping. No reverse. Scanner indicates gear ratio error, check neutral switch error, no outputs but normal inputs. I was in too much of a rush to get all the codes, 85 rpm pressure readings were in the 50s but I didnt know what I was looking at(so I didnt have correct rpms.). Trans is strong in L, no noise or slippage. Fluid level ok, a bit brown. No problems previous. Very sudden default. Calls to local dealers think it is major trans problem, snap ring? one said it could be speed sensors. But what about no reverse? all other solutions extremely expensive. Anyone with an easy fix? straps, sensors, or connections? helppppp

[ssixs]

Originally Posted by bradscar

Great running car suddenly goes into default 2nd gear mode driving in heavy rain.. Shifts from L to neutral, but will stay in good running L no slipping. No reverse. Scanner indicates gear ratio error, check neutral switch error, no outputs but normal inputs. I was in too much of a rush to get all the codes, 85 rpm pressure readings were in the 50s but I didnt know what I was looking at(so I didnt have correct rpms.). Trans is strong in L, no noise or slippage. Fluid level ok, a bit brown. No problems previous. Very sudden default. Calls to local dealers think it is major trans problem, snap ring? one said it could be speed sensors. But what about no reverse? all other solutions extremely expensive. Anyone with an easy fix? straps, sensors, or connections? helppppp

What is the speedometer doing? If it is reading zero you may have had a input/output sensor on the tranny. These sensors are not too expensive and easy to replace. If the fault happened during heavy rain. There is a good chance a sensor has gone bad. check out all posibilities before someone talks you into replacing the tranny. Good luck.

[bradscar]

thanks for the advice. the speedometer is working fine, the test for the neutral safety switch indicated all shifts were registered by the scan but there was not an engagement into reverse or upper gears according to the computer. I just read some comments about ground wires and solenoids, any relevance here? thanks....

[Windywoes]

Originally Posted by bradscar

thanks for the advice. the speedometer is working fine, the test for the neutral safety switch indicated all shifts were registered by the scan but there was not an engagement into reverse or upper gears according to the computer. I just read some comments about ground wires and solenoids, any relevance here? thanks....

Remove the input and output speed sensors and get a meter reading on them. I had the same issue on my '90 GC and the output sensor read zero across the pins. I replaced this and now the tranny is back to normal (whatever normal for these things is). I paid $35 for the sensor. Cheapest tranny repair I have ever made on this car. Tranny #4.

[bradscar]

Tried all the easy cures, had trans taken apart by top notch rebuilder. They found broken rear planet. Replaced with updated parts, hardened splines, torque conv,sensors, $2000 later, I have trans which shifts better than new., thanks to all for advice. bradscar