trans upshift problem

[crazy52]

hello everybody,,got an issue with upshifts on a 95 lumina apv van,,3.1 with 3 speed auto tranny 3t40
,,starting out in D trans will shift 1-2 then no upshift to 3,,manually down shift to 2 no change,,downshift to 1 and ya can feel that one will chirp the tires ,,back to D same situation can feel 1 shift then it stays there ,,no problems in reverse,,changed the filter and fluid and added a qt of trans -x,,still the same,,was searching and found a Transmission Control Solenoid listed under the parts at a part store and was wandering if a faulty solinoid could cause this problem? i know in older trannies with a vacuume mod,,that would be the first thing i'd check out but these newer vehicles with all the sensless solinoids and sensors who know where to start,,i'm not enjoying the thought of doing a tranny replacement in one of these,, i herd it was a nightmare job ..mabey some insight on that also or a good site with info,,i did check the throttle cables and they seem ok and conections seem ok ,,cable between the tranny and throttle is free and not binding,,when moved manually..the 4 pin lockup convertor plug is not connected and hasn't been conected since my son bought the van ,,so i don't think theres an issue there ,,and this started while he was driving it one day,,and was fine before time,, so any ideas would be appreicated ,,thanks in advance
crazy52

[notsrac]

My sister in law had a lumina car that did something similar to your issues (no overdrive) and it was the module on the tranny... As had a friends van that the kick-down lever came off... but his was slow to start and never shifted into 3rd...

[trannyman52]

the electronics on that tranny only control torque converter lock-up,,,solenoid gets full of gunk,,allows converter to stay locked when coming to a stop,,,killing the engine...usually re-sets when re-starting....
No 3rd mechanically is direct clutch starting to fail,,,,same clutch is required for reverse,,,if reverse still feels very good,,,then a problem with throttle valve not stroking back to up-shift position...this can be addressed by installing return spring in tv valve train...this can be done through removal of side cover,,though vb has to hit the bench,,,,trans does not have to be removed,,,can replace solenoid at same time......gbaum