02 SL2 Injectors not pulsing

[fdryer]

With two (presumed in good operating condition) pcm's having the same results of three xmission error codes and the car originally exhibiting a sudden failure to start, problems seem to shift while correcting the original failure to start by allowing engine starting and running but failing to shift. Two pcm's with the same xmission shift problems seems to point to main power (battery and alternator), wiring, xmission shift solenoids or dirty xmission oil. Below is the error code definition for P0732. Its presumed error codes P0733 and P0734 are similar except for gear 3 and 4.

What's battery and more importantly, alternator voltage? If the two pcm's are considered intact and not the problem, power, wiring, xmission oil or shift solenoids may be contributing to this sudden problem. Everything has to be taken into consideration when a problem shifts from a no start issue to replacing the pcm and having a xmission issue. This moving target that changes isn't a regular problem.

[RB56]

Thanks for that quick reply. I found a shop that will do a free diagnostic of the transmission.

Billr mentioned removing the LP solenoid fuse. What label is on that fuse in the fuse box?

[fdryer]

Three TRS fuses in the underhood fuse box.

[RB56]

I pulled the TRS LP fuse and the shifting became very hard, but still shifted though all gears, then into neutral by 25 mph.

I put that fuse back in, and pulled the TRS 3/4. With this fuse pulled the transmission stays in 4th. The good thing is that I can drive it to the dealer since I can get it up to highway speeds.

I called a local dealer who said they could re-program the PCM for $115. I assume that is reasonable.

My appointment is for Wednesday.

[OldNuc]

That is the going price. You have managed to get incorrect PCMs at least twice as most JYs cannot comprehend the GEN-3 PCM scheme as they are relying on Hollanders to ID the application, it is not quite clear.

[RB56]

Well I didn't get to the dealership last week due to problems with an abscessed tooth...better now.

Took it in Monday morning (yesterday) for GM dealer to re-program the PCM to the car.

After I picked it up, there was no change to the transmission behavior. I had to pull the Trns 3/4 fuse so I could drive it home in high gear.

With all fuses in place, I tried repeatedly to go from a stop to see if it gear changing would get better, but with no luck.

I took it to a transmission shop this morning and the tech drove the car. After diagnostics he said he didn't think it was the PCM (I'm still suspicious).

Here are his thoughts:
1. The harness connector could have a burned contact and the connector should be pulled out and checked. He said the connector could be replaced with an available pigtail if necessary.

2. The top plate should be removed and the resistance of each solenoid checked.

3. If neither of those fixed it, I would have to get another good-used transmission (not going to happen).

Checking the connector is probably worth the effort. I had a blown PCM so there could be some other electrical fallout.

All gears work, and the shifting is not hard. It seems to be that whatever signals the transmission to shift is not working.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[fdryer]

This xmission shop appears to be working with you, giving an honest assessment. You have nothing to lose but time examining wiring between pcm and xmission connections and measuring solenoid resistance. When it rains, it pours,,,,,,,,

[OldNuc]

Originally Posted by RB56

Well I didn't get to the dealership last week due to problems with an abscessed tooth...better now.

Took it in Monday morning (yesterday) for GM dealer to re-program the PCM to the car.

After I picked it up, there was no change to the transmission behavior. I had to pull the Trns 3/4 fuse so I could drive it home in high gear.

With all fuses in place, I tried repeatedly to go from a stop to see if it gear changing would get better, but with no luck.

I took it to a transmission shop this morning and the tech drove the car. After diagnostics he said he didn't think it was the PCM (I'm still suspicious).

Here are his thoughts:
1. The harness connector could have a burned contact and the connector should be pulled out and checked. He said the connector could be replaced with an available pigtail if necessary.

2. The top plate should be removed and the resistance of each solenoid checked.

3. If neither of those fixed it, I would have to get another good-used transmission (not going to happen).

Checking the connector is probably worth the effort. I had a blown PCM so there could be some other electrical fallout.

All gears work, and the shifting is not hard. It seems to be that whatever signals the transmission to shift is not working.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

Take the transmission shops advice and start with a connector inspection followed by pulling the top cover and inspecting the buss plate grip on each solenoid pin, use a #43 drill bit and there should be a slight drag if the grip is OK, Let solenoids sit overnight and measure individual resistance. Then check continuity between each connector pin and PCM connector. It is possible you are having some ODD range switch failure so I would ceck that set of wires for continuity to the PCM and inspect connector and socket.

[billr]

Are you still watching live-data, looking for the "gear selected" and "gear commanded" to be as-expected? (Like, not N when 25 mph is reached...)

[RB56]

I don't think the 'Live Data' set on my OBDII shows the currently selected gear, but I'll double check.

I decided to let the transmission guy check out the connector and solenoids, I am swamped at work and it doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. He said he would do it for $125.

He said he was pretty booked up this week but could probably get to it by the end of the week.

[RB56]

Saga continues...
Paid the transmission guy $125 to check the wiring, connectors, and solenoids. He said everything checked out.

I then took it to a trusted mechanic. After some diagnostics with his equipment he told me that the dealer had not reprogrammed the computer. He showed me that:
1. The VIN in the computer did not match the VIN of the car
2. The wheel/tire size in the computer was wrong.
3. The engine was wrong (SOHC instead of my DOHC).
4. Gear ratios were wrong.
5. etc.

I was finally able to get it back to the dealer this morning. The service writer said that sometimes the PCMs won't take the "flash."

I told him that if that was the case, he should have at told me when I picked the car up, so I could have gotten another PCM rather than waste money at a transmission shop and auto mechanic shop. I am really ticked off.

Do any of you know of a good PCM with the same part number not taking the "flash" or programming?

[billr]

Again, use common-sense here. If it can't be flashed, either the PCM isn't "good", or the com connection (cable, blue-tooth, whatever) is bad, or the programmer is bad. Downloading the proper programming to the PCM is one of its fundamental functions, not an iffy option!

[OldNuc]

Originally Posted by RB56

Saga continues...
Paid the transmission guy $125 to check the wiring, connectors, and solenoids. He said everything checked out.

I then took it to a trusted mechanic. After some diagnostics with his equipment he told me that the dealer had not reprogrammed the computer. He showed me that:
1. The VIN in the computer did not match the VIN of the car
2. The wheel/tire size in the computer was wrong.
3. The engine was wrong (SOHC instead of my DOHC).
4. Gear ratios were wrong.
5. etc.

I was finally able to get it back to the dealer this morning. The service writer said that sometimes the PCMs won't take the "flash."

I told him that if that was the case, he should have at told me when I picked the car up, so I could have gotten another PCM rather than waste money at a transmission shop and auto mechanic shop. I am really ticked off.

Do any of you know of a good PCM with the same part number not taking the "flash" or programming?

The flash software verifies the flash after the completion of the process. The dealer either flashed the wrong VIN and BIN or never did the job. This should be a do-over on the house. The job paid for was not done.

I have posted the information on the 2 different 00-02 PCM(ECU) multiple times and search will find all of it.

I will add this though. The issue here is an old car and the actual manufacturer is no longer in business. Parent organization, GM, has transferred dealer support to the Chevrolet Division. The local Chevy dealer has not invested sufficient time to figure out how to flash your PCM(ECU). GM is not really interested in assisting present owners in keeping these cars on the road and neither are the environazis. They need to find a knowledgeable tech or the service manager needs to get busy and manage. As the amount and complexity of proprietary code required to operate a car increases this issue will become much larger.

[RB56]

Great news...
The dealer was able to program the PCM. The service writer said it took the tech. five tries but he finally worked through it. There was not a charge for today's work.

Before I took the car I checked the VIN in the computer using my OBDII, and sure enough, it was the car's actual VIN.

Left the dealer not knowing if the transmission would work correctly or not, but it did.

Thank everyone for all the help. I could not have done it without you.

[OldNuc]

Sad state of affairs when it takes 5 tries to read the on-screen instructions.

At least it is all fixed now.