1995 SL2 Transmission problem

[Joefromcocomo]

Hello,

1995 SL2 DOHC.

Automatic Trans won't shift into its last gear (5th) until car is warmed up for about ten minutes, thereafter shifts fine. Just changed trans fluid and filter - fluid was clean - this did not help.

Thanks

[stevestar99]

Besides being an "auto" it's an electric transmission. Start by checking the under hood fuses. Make sure the blades of the fuse are nice and shiny. The sockets are good and tight, making a solid connection. Check: TRS LP, TRS2/TCC, and TRS3/4. Check the valve body harness connector for corrosion.

[Joefromcocomo]

Thanks for the info. Installed new fuses -- old ones were slightly discolored but no real corrosion. The problem remains. The valve body harness connector (on top?) was clean inside, but the bolt holding it in was a bit loose. I'll have to wait for the car to sit a while now to see if snugging it down helped.

Searching the forums, I found a situation nearly identical to mine, except I have NO trouble codes:

"I have a 98 SL2 with ~112k miles on it. During the winter, I noticed it would not shift into overdrive unless it had warmed up (~5 miles on the hwy.) The problem was less noticeable when spring came around but even when it was warmer in the mornings, my car still wouldn't go into overdrive until I had driven at least 2 miles on the highway. Today, the service engine light came on and now it won't go into overdrive at all. Has anyone else had this problem? What kind of repair cost am I looking at?"

Can't post URL. Thread titled: "98 SL2 Overdrive Problem"

My 95 SL2 has 217,000 k on it. It ran hot once over three years ago, and since then, shifts hard from first to second but only when running temp is higher from prolonged sitting in traffic (during the summer). Otherwise, shifts smoothly.
Thanks for any help. Maybe I can solve this before it goes to the shop!

[wolfman]

1.Locking out overdrive until the transaxle reached normal operating temperature is NORMAL..'

Notice I said transaxle....


The Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor is located is close proximity to the filter...as a result it is somewhat easy to damage the sensor or its wiring when changing the filter if you are not careful...

Damaged sensors tend to read COLD. (Which would result in lockout) The sensor is exactly the same part as the ECTS..

[marijuandroid]

i have lost overdrive as well, ive checked all fuses, checked connection, replaced 4th gear solenoid. still no 4th. mine will try to hit 4th but its just like popping into nutral it then senses thats 4ths ****ed up and goes into saftey mode not trying 4th anymore. its a beater so ive been rockin it as is. if you find a cure i would love to hear it.

mine throws a code though, i forgot the numbers but it inocorrect gear 4 ratio.

[Joefromcocomo]

Thanks for the info. Is it possible the Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor would be malfunctioning without throwing out a "check engine" code? It seems that if this is so, replacing it would be a good next step since the part is not too expensive. I'm also wondering what other problems could cause overdrive to not engage until the car is warmed up. Thanks again for any info.