Code 81: 2-3 Shift Solenoid

[Barto76]

Anyone had this before? I have had this problem previously, about three years ago but went to an auto trans specialist and was informed that the solenoids in this model rarely die, in fact they'd never seen one in the Commodores, only Fords. The problem was supposedly a loose wiring harness.

I'm much poorer than I was the last time it happened and was wondering if it's difficult to get to if I just pull the pan off, or does the trans need to be dismantled?

Any advice from people with transmission service experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hako]

You can replace the solenoids yourself - they cost about $50 to buy. I had the same code 2 years ago and got the trans shop to do it and it cost $200 all up (I was lazy) Do a search on this forum and also google "4l60e solenoid replace" and you will find how to. Should end up costing less than $100 incl oil/filter. Dirty job but not rocket science. Good Luck.

 

[Barto76]

Cheers for that, I figured the only hassle was going to be getting trans fluid all over the place when the pan came off.

 

[slepar]

is your gearbox doing anything it shouldnt be? like is it taking longer to change gears or anything like that?

 

[Barto76]

Oh yeah, it's stuck between 2nd and 3rd (limp home mode). I'm 90% sure it's a loose connection after reading the other threads on this issue as it was intermittent for a couple of weeks, then it was fine for a couple of weeks and during the last week the warning light has been on constantly. It was the problem previously so I'll check all the connections before investing in a new solenoid.

When the warning light was off the trans was running nice and smooth.

 

[hako]

Unfortunately the connections that usually fail are the ones inside the transmission but you might be lucky. Might also be a bit of dirt making the solenoid stick...whichever way you will probably enjoy a bath of transmission fluid.

 

[Barto76]

Yeah, I realised it was the connection inside the trans that was dodgy. Get this though: I've been driving to work while it's still in limp home mode, as it's only a couple of km. Started the thing up after knocking off today and it's 100% fine.

Still going to pull the pan off, just got some more breathing space now with a bit of luck. Ordered a filter and gasket of eBay and will wait for that to get here before getting into it.

 

[hako]

I'd also grab a solenoid and do that at the same time - will cost about the same as the oil and filter. When I had the solenoid fail, it would come good for a few Km's and then fail. Might be able to get a cheap one off Ebay or a wrecker.

Edit - checked Ebay and they are $47 delivered:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/AUTOMATIC-TR...OID-/120607593471?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories