Help!?!?! VR Tranny faulting (Limp Home Mode - I think?)

[OzJD]

Having some problems with the VR (Seriess II V6 Auto),
She starts well, Drives perfectly, then the error light comes on!
Once the error light is on, The car sits in 3rd only (2nd is available only when manually selecting 1st or 2nd) - 1st and 4th are not available. Reverse is fine.

These are the error codes:
Code 68 - Transmission Component Slipping - Auto Transmission Only
Code 81 - 2-3 Shift Solenoid “B” Fault - Auto Transmission Only
Code 83 - TCC PWM Solenoid Fault - Auto Transmission Only

I've been reading and reading... Not sure where to start - The first and third quote by moff_man seems applicable:

4l60e Problems and Solutions - S-10 Forum
10. Trans shifts into gear harshly, 3rd gear starts, manual 2nd available but no 1st, no 4th, and no TCC lockup: No power to transmission, or trans is in limp-home mode. Check trans fuse underhood, and make sure transmission electrical connector is plugged in. Easy fix.

4l60e Problems and Solutions - S-10 Forum[/url]
11. No 1st or 4th available; trans shifts 2nd to 3rd by itself in D or OD : ShiftA solenoid failed. Easy fix in the pan. Or a wiring problem from PCM to trans.. or PCM.

4l60e Problems and Solutions - S-10 Forum[/url]
24. Car feels sluggish off the line, No 1st, 4th or TCC lockup available, Manual 2nd, 3rd and Reverse are only available gears, CEL is on: Transmision is either in limp-home mode or has lost electrical power. If there are lots of error codes in the PCM, check the underhood fuse that powers the transmission, and if it pops again, look for a short in that circuit like an O2 sensor harness touching exhaust. Otherwise, check PCM codes for a particular fault in the transmission causing the PCM to put it in limp-home mode.

I should also note that it was left untouched for 2 days, drove perfectly for 1/2 hour, then went back to mucking up

Any advice?

[hako]

I'd say one of your solenoids is playing up - I had this same problem with a code 81.....came good after a few days then back to LHM. I'd clear the codes (battery disconnect for 30 secs) then see what code comes up first next time she goes into LHM. If it is the 2/3 solenoid then replace it. (~$50 to buy if DIY) The other codes (68,83) may be caused by the 2/3 solenoid as a consequence. Expect to pay ~$200 for a trans specialist to replace as they will do an oil/filter change at the same time.

[OzJD]

Cheers Hako, I'll try and find one tomorrow... I doubt my spare parts place will stock it ;\

[hako]

Cheers Hako, I'll try and find one tomorrow... I doubt my spare parts place will stock it ;\

I think you will find they do stock it - they fit just about every auto made by GM in the past 20 years...also on Ebay. Heaps of info on Google re changing them which is simple plus you get a free shower of transmission oil when you drop the sump.