I just wanted to say THANKS... and help with solenoid!

[oldmateadz]

First off, I just wanna say thanks to everyone here. For the past four years I've found the answer to every question I've ever had about my Commodore here (without ever signing up!). So THANKS!

Anyway, I have a VS V6 Series II and I noticed the engine warning light popped on tonight and I only had 3rd gear! I checked the computer for error codes (which I found out how to do via these forums!) and I got 12 (system OK) and 81 (2 - 3 Shift Control Solenoid Fault). Now, it was really f*cking hot today, about 43 degrees and I did about 150kms worth of driving, would heat and humidity be a cause for the solenoid connectors to break/come off or what? Or has something brutal happened to my gearbox? I just wanna find out here first before I get some over-charging mechanic to look at it.

Cheers!

[justbad4you]

really need they will not do anything but fix original fault.
VS commodores we owned here have both had the solenoids replaced in the transmissions. Both times it was the 3-2 shift solenoid, the parents car it happened at about 50,000km, and mine happened about 175,000km. Was about $200 to replace the solenoid and have a new strainer and fluid put in, so I would expect if everything else is ok in your transmission, then you could get both solenoids replaced for under $500 with new fluid etc. It may not actually need a rebuild, if its only the solenoids that have gone.

First off, I just wanna say thanks to everyone here. For the past four years I've found the answer to every question I've ever had about my Commodore here (without ever signing up!). So THANKS!

Anyway, I have a VS V6 Series II and I noticed the engine warning light popped on tonight and I only had 3rd gear! I checked the computer for error codes (which I found out how to do via these forums!) and I got 12 (system OK) and 81 (2 - 3 Shift Control Solenoid Fault). Now, it was really f*cking hot today, about 43 degrees and I did about 150kms worth of driving, would heat and humidity be a cause for the solenoid connectors to break/come off or what? Or has something brutal happened to my gearbox? I just wanna find out here first before I get some over-charging mechanic to look at it.

Cheers!

[oldmateadz]

I read that it wasn't too difficult to repair yourself? And cheap!
I'm no mechanic, but I'm good with simple fixes on my car (water pump, thermostat, exhaust, brakes, bush joints, etc), or would it be worth just getting a pro to do it?

really need they will not do anything but fix original fault.
VS commodores we owned here have both had the solenoids replaced in the transmissions. Both times it was the 3-2 shift solenoid, the parents car it happened at about 50,000km, and mine happened about 175,000km. Was about $200 to replace the solenoid and have a new strainer and fluid put in, so I would expect if everything else is ok in your transmission, then you could get both solenoids replaced for under $500 with new fluid etc. It may not actually need a rebuild, if its only the solenoids that have gone.

[The1]

yeh it's just a swap over, if you can change your own trans oil and filter then you can change the shift solenoid. There at the back next to each other, here's a video on tubes 4L60E Solenoid, there about $50 each, if you can afford it swap them both.

[oldmateadz]

Cheers. I assume the solenoids on that car in the video are similar to the Commodore?

[The1]

yep 4L60E, both the same.

[justbad4you]

Cheers. I assume the solenoids on that car in the video are similar to the Commodore?

the same.....good luck with the job>>

[oldmateadz]

I just spoke to my uncle (he's an ex-mechanic) and he said it'd be just as easy to get a whole new gearbox put in! $600 supplied and fitted sound alright??

[calais24/7]

600 Sounds pretty good, i payed about 800 for a manual one with 6 months warrenty, Is it a reco'd box or just a second hand one and does it have warrenty?

[The1]

unless your having issues or want a new box then i dont see the point over a $50 solenoid. But hey it's your car if you want another box go for it sounds cheap.

[oldmateadz]

I don't quite know if it's just the solenoid at this point, the diagnostic only said it was that. In the past year or so I've noticed the performance of the gearbox has gone down, slipping gears, over-revving, leaking trans fluid, etc. So it might be worth just getting another box put it.

I have a mate that just told me that her dad's got a spare '97 box in his shed that's only done 90,000. She's gonna get back to me on a price!

[The1]

sounds good for a swap then

[oldmateadz]

Turns out the dream is gone for that 97 box. But he has a 96 Lexen box. The motors in the Lexens still Buick?