Ok, let me outline was is happening with my auto tranny, it's kind of a long story, so bear with me.
I bought it with some sort of problem...the previous owner told me that their mechanic said it was a bad sensor or something. It has to be driven with O/D off, or it will hang in 3rd gear, and only sometimes will it shift into 4th, and when it does, it does it HARD. Then, while cruising in 4th, it will downshift into 2nd for no reason, and it's very scary. The car would almost come to a stop on the freeway.
So after a while, it wouldn't shift into 4th AT ALL anymore, so i decided to just drive it around with O/D off at all times, and deal with the higher revs on the hwy. All was fine for a while, until after a 200 mile trip, the tranny started having trouble even with O/D off. It will shift from 1st to 2nd just fine, but now it won't shift into 3rd. It will sometimes shift HARD into 3rd, but then jump right back to 2nd. It also jerks really hard when coming to a stop, as it downshifts into 1st.
I was told by a service tech at the Mitsubishi dealer (apparently you guys call them satan? lol) and he told me that it was most likely the end clutch that needed replacing.
I just tried pulling the TCU codes to the best of my ability, and it looks like it's giving me codes, 86, 51, and 21. I'm guessing the 86 and 51 are related to a bad end clutch? Since the pulse generators rarely go bad? I'm kinda stumped on the code 21...apparently it means there is a problem with the kickdown switch servo? How do I check that?
I'm not an auto guy, but if its not the end clutches, it could be a failing TCU or something. Free bump if nothing else, maybe an auto guy could jump in here.
What kind of problem will it have with second gear?? Can someone tell me exactly where the kickdown servo is located? I've read that it is a large round connector on the "front" of the tranny? Does that mean the area sort of where the overflow bottle is, or the side of the tranny facing the wheel well?
What kind of problem will it have with second gear?? Can someone tell me exactly where the kickdown servo is located? I've read that it is a large round connector on the "front" of the tranny? Does that mean the area sort of where the overflow bottle is, or the side of the tranny facing the wheel well?
I'm not sure, mine's a stick shift,but if you are looking at the side of the transmission, opposite side of the diff, should be in front, close to the radiator. You will see a large, round, black plastic cover that has the wire coming out, that is your kickdown servo.
Well, I did some testing and inspection...and it seems that my description of how it behaves with O/D off is accurate, but with O/D on, it's behaving a bit differently than I originally thought...it will just go back and forth between 1st and 2nd gear repeatedly. When it shifts between these gears it will sometimes do it VERY hard, and other times will flare, as if the trans is in neutral. Shifts from 1st to 2nd normally with O/D turned off.
Does this indicate a computer problem??
I tested my shift solenoids, and they are all perfectly within spec! I couldn't get a reading for the pulse generators, but I think that's because my multimeter was dying.
Also, I have noticed that when sitting at a light while in D...the speedo needle will bounce up and down on it's own. This is while i'm sitting still!!! If I put the gear selector into neutral, the bouncing stops.
I should also mention that unplugging the battery and resetting the TCU didn't change the problem at all. My tranny isn't going into limp mode either...which is weird. It is just shifting VERY strangely.
I am going to need to use this car as a Daily Driver very soon, so I am really motivated to get it fixed. PLEASE help if you can.. Thanks! :]
1) Your TCU is on it's way out. I would suggest testing your IAC motor. I had the ISC/IAC/WTF ever on my sisters 91 GSX kill FOUR ecu's, and two TCU's before we figured out that was the problem.
2) Your end clutch pack has gone out. You will need to purchase a new one, and have it installed. I do believe since it has been driven on a bad end clutch pack for so long, that you'll probably need to get a whole set of clutch packs just to be safe. If your not comfortable doing this, than I would recommend going to the junkyard nearest you and finding a good Auto Turbo trans. Most junkyards worth a shit will offer you some sort of trade warranty, as in if the unit is bad, you can keep trading until you get one that works, and if you run out you'll get money back.
I'm 95% positive that it's both of the problems above at once. Also, you might want to check your alternator too, the needle moving up and down by itself is not a good sign at all, but I'm not 100% on that.
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Originally Posted by frankozz
You are getting dick slapped regardless.
91 Talon TSI AWD
91 Eclipse GSX Auto
93 Plymouth Laser RS (Paid a dollar for it )
1) Your TCU is on it's way out. I would suggest testing your IAC motor. I had the ISC/IAC/WTF ever on my sisters 91 GSX kill FOUR ecu's, and two TCU's before we figured out that was the problem.
2) Your end clutch pack has gone out. You will need to purchase a new one, and have it installed. I do believe since it has been driven on a bad end clutch pack for so long, that you'll probably need to get a whole set of clutch packs just to be safe. If your not comfortable doing this, than I would recommend going to the junkyard nearest you and finding a good Auto Turbo trans. Most junkyards worth a shit will offer you some sort of trade warranty, as in if the unit is bad, you can keep trading until you get one that works, and if you run out you'll get money back.
I'm 95% positive that it's both of the problems above at once. Also, you might want to check your alternator too, the needle moving up and down by itself is not a good sign at all, but I'm not 100% on that.
Alright, cool...that's exactly what I am thinking as well. I guess I will replace the end clutch (I'm actually going with the Alto rebuild kit from IPT) and flush all the old fluid out, change the filter, etc. Then if it's still doing the same thing, I suppose I'll have to check out the TCU.
Should I remove the valve body and open it up to make sure no passages are clogged..etc? Does that sort of thing happen often on these trannys?
Also on the TCU...is there any way at all to test it? I mean other than the "smell" test. I haven't done that yet, but I will very soon.
On a side not, I have a friend with a local shop that specializes in Toyota Supras (my former toy car) and he rebuilds the ECU's for the JDM TT engines very cheaply. (they also die frequently) I asked him about rebuilding the DSM ECU/TCUs, and he thinks he will be able to do it. For about $60 or so. He replaces the caps I believe. Anyway, I will take my TCU to him, and see what the verdict is, then get back to you guys. Maybe he can help out other people with computer issues as well.
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