1999 Monte Carlo. Runs great but stays only in second gear.

[PPrash]

Got the car at an auction with a minor fender bender. (so I assume it was driving fine up until the accident) 88k miles. Got the fender replaced but went to drive it and the car starts out and stay in second gear only. SOmeone said the trans is in "limp mode". I have no check engine light (it comes on with the key one but goes out after starting. I checked the fuse on the front right fuse box under the hood. The only other thing wierd is the temp gauge does not work. I checked all fuses. Any ideas?

[2000blazerls]

TPS bad maybe?

[PPrash]

but the engine runs perfect, has no codes, nor a check engine light?

[2000blazerls]

Can you shift manually at all?

[PPrash]

negative. I pull it down to low it stays in 2nd. I put in in D or OD and no upsift. (I guess I assume it is 2nd because it goes about 30MPH before it sound like the RPM should make it upshift. Also, reverse works perfect too.

[2000blazerls]

What tranny is in the 99? 4l60e?

[2000blazerls]

Read on another site that "limp mode" can be removied if you unhook the battery for a few and then rehook it. You tried this?

[PPrash]

yes, tried that tonight.

[2000blazerls]

Hrm, you got me then. I would double check your TPS though. My Blazer blew one and the only reason I knew it was screwed was because of the shifting problems. No error codes on my truck.

If the fluid looks clean it is probably electrical. I would check the connections on the tranny itself. If they are screwey then the tranny will go limp and even after redoing the battery, will stay limp. If the fluid is filthy I would flush it and try again and if that fails have a pro (or yourself) take it down and replace the clutches. Not a hard job on the 4l60E if you have the tools and workspace. A headache to do in the driveway though.

If you go the rebuild it yourself route and do not have a supplier in your area for clutches/bands you can call Bradon at Transmission Crafters - 1 (800) 535-0414. I got stuff to rebuild my 700r4 in a Camaro I used to have. They ship UPS and are pretty helpful if you have questions. The owner, Jay Moore, is a tranny master (that sounds funny when you say it out loud). So he might be able to help more than me.

Forgot to mention that they are cheap too. Thats why I like them. Excellent product at a good price.

[richtazz]

what fender was bendered? The PCM is located behind the drivers side headlamp, under the air filter. It sounds like you could have a PCM or shift solenoid issue. Have it scanned with a trans capable scan tool to eliminate guess work. On the temp guage, what engine do you have?

[Blue Bowtie]

Investigate what richtazz recommended, and also look at the range selector/neutral safety switch and connections, as well as the electrical connector right on the transmission.