4L30E help

[Rich V]

The 4L30E in my car is acting up. It began shifting late 2-3 and has come to the point of very harsh shifting 2-3 and 3-2. Some times it will hickup slightly before doing a hard and VERY late shift. Sometimes it completly bypasses 2-3 all together and goes 2-4. Changing the fluid did nothing and it gets worse as it warms up. On occation it will go in to limp mode after a hard shift, but that is rare. I have also noticed that the 2-3 shift is PERFECT if I am accerlating at full throttle in either manual or automatic shifting modes, any other time it acts up. Anybody have any ideas? I'm thinking the 2-3 shift solenoid? Any insight is much appreciated.

[Cat Fuzz]

Year? Engine? Mileage?

[Rich V]

Sorry, 1994 BMW 325i with 125k on it.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Rich V

Sorry, 1994 BMW 325i with 125k on it.

Rich, this is classic 4L30E transmission range sensor failure (also known as mode sensor or just TRS/TMS). I dunno if you have individual "PNRD321" lights on the dash or console in your car, but in the rodeo, this is a sure fire 'test' is if those lights dont line up with what gear you have selected with the floor shifter, the TRS is bad or needs to be cleaned. Your 4L30E is the same as ours, aside from a different torque converter. Lots of posts on TRS. Check amigo-2K's FAQ's!
G/luck
Joel