4 replies to this topic

[jtole]

Having transmission 'limp' problem with 96-850 Non Turbo. Car sticks in 3rd (or ?drive) at random times. The dreaded flashing transmission arrow never comes on, even
when just shifting into L or 3. I pulled the instrument panel, thinking bulb was burned out, but it checks OK. What switch controls the 'normal' display of the arrow?
I would assume it is the PNP switch, but cannot so far find any confirmation.

Earlier had codes read and found ?bad Winter Mode switch and TCU (transmission computer). Replaced both, but still no arrow under any circumstances and random
appearance of 'limp' mode.

I drove car 150 mi and it performed fine until I stopped. After starting again, immediately went into limp. Drove 1 mile, parked and car sat for 3 hours.
Came out to start, was in limp mode. Limped to highway, stopped, started several
times, transmission kicked in and ran fine for 150 mi return trip.

Any thoughts on interpreting these symptoms would be apppreciated.

[DEWFPO]

When driving, and pushing the "W" winter mode button on the console, does the UP arrow on the dash come on?

DEWFPO

[Sherman]

You were correct in that it should alaso come on when you shift to a lower gear than drive.

[jtole]

The Arrow 'lamp' on instrument never comes on under any circumstances: not in L or 3, not when "W" is pushed while driving, not when trans goes into limp mode.

As I mentioned, I pulled instrument cluster and checked bulb and it is OK.

It seems to me that the 'arrow' must be controlled by the PNP switch.
It this is the case, then it would seem there must be some problem with PNP preventing arrow from ever coming on.

When 'cleaning the connections' is mentioned, do you mean for the PNP switch cable connector?

The car does not go into limp mode while it is moving. It only goes into limp when
moving from rest, sometimes after shift lever has been moved (e.g. P to D; D to R to D; etc), sometimes only when car moves after idling.

Again, no codes set, no arrow flashing, only symptom is Trans trying to start car from rest in high gear rather than L when trans lever is set to D.

Edited by jtole, 22 March 2005 - 10:59 PM.

[Bay13]

PNP is nothing but a fancy switch, it has no brains, to turn anything on, you are going to have to blame this one on the Transmission control module. Have you tried the ratchet the shifter about 20 times trick?