Major dramas! Please help!

[oldmateadz]

(Regarding my V6 automatic VS 1996)
So the other week, my gearbox starts playing up and I got error code 81 from the computer, which is 2 - 3 Shift Control Solenoid Fault.

Anyway, I've still been driving around with only first and third gear (which I have to do manually), which I know isn't good... but I need to drive! I re-ran the computer error check and it came up with the following:

Code 32 - Manifold Air Flow Sensor
Code 66 - 3 - 2 Shift Control Solenoid Circuit Fault
Code 67 - TCC ON - OFF Solenoid Control Fault
Code 81 - 2 - 3 Shift Control Solenoid Fault
Code 82 - 1 - 2 Shift Control Solenoid Fault
Code 83 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit

Can anyone explain some of these problems to me and let me know if I'm in a world of hurt?
I can pretty much gather that I need a new gearbox... but is there anything else?

Cheers!

[Vee-ard]

I dont actually think you're in for a new gearbox. Apart from a new MAF sensor it only looks like it only needs new solenoids which are about $80 a pop. These are electrical plug-in sensors on the inside of the tranny pan and they go pretty often. It's kinda rare to see them all go at once though.

You can replace them yourself if you can manage to drop the pan, they're only held in by circlips but dropping the pan is not as easy as it sounds.

You can watch this youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGckmJK2rNQ

[oldmateadz]

I got a quote from an auto trans joint, just to fix one solenoid and it came back $385. I can get a second hand (decent) gearbox put in for $400 or so, so I guess I'd rather just do that.

Is there much of a drama to put a new MAF sensor in?

[oldmateadz]

Oh, I should also add, I asked about how much just the solenoid was on it's own, so I could do it myself and he said $185 a pop!

[Brett_jjj]

Check out the link.Its just a site I found on google,but it shows the prices of these parts to give you an idea of what you should be paying for them,and its nowhere near $185.
4L60E,4L65E, Switches & solenoids, Bulkpart transmission parts
Id just buy them from a place like in the above link,then buy a 4L60E auto transmission filter service kit as well,get 5 litres of dexron 111(3) trans fluid,and do it yourself.Have a look at some of the videos on youtube-(4L60E) to get an idea of what you have to do,its easy anyway.Then once theyre fitted,replace the filter and filter seal with the new ones from the kit, fit the pan with the new pan gasket from the kit, and fill er up with fluid.Too easy.The trans filter kits are around $25, and roughly the same for the 5 litres of fluid.

[Vee-ard]

I got a quote from an auto trans joint, just to fix one solenoid and it came back $385. I can get a second hand (decent) gearbox put in for $400 or so, so I guess I'd rather just do that.

Is there much of a drama to put a new MAF sensor in?

Nice business to get into... click on brett_jjj's link and order them for $15 each.

Also, no second hand gearbox for $400 is decent, they just tell you that. A wreckers I presume? they really have no idea what condition the box is in.

[oldmateadz]

Bargain, can't believe the mark up on such a small, cheap part. Pisses me off a bit!
The gearbox was offered to me by a mate, not from a wreckers... but either way, if you guys really think this is best way... I'll do that.

Would solenoid faults be the cause of the box making a loud grinding noise too, even in neutral.

What about all the circuit faults, the solenoid and torque clutch converter? And the manifold air flow?

Cheers.

[Brett_jjj]

Bargain, can't believe the mark up on such a small, cheap part. Pisses me off a bit!
The gearbox was offered to me by a mate, not from a wreckers... but either way, if you guys really think this is best way... I'll do that.

Would solenoid faults be the cause of the box making a loud grinding noise too, even in neutral.

What about all the circuit faults, the solenoid and torque clutch converter? And the manifold air flow?

Cheers.

Have you checked the wiring and connectors that go to the transmission and engine sensors etc..Dodgey wiring or connectors can also cause error codes to log..

[delcowizzid]

you have popped the trans fuse in the fusebox under the steering wheel its why maf etc is coding as well same fuse does maf and all the solinoids in the box fit a new fuse LOL

[oldmateadz]

you have popped the trans fuse in the fusebox under the steering wheel its why maf etc is coding as well same fuse does maf and all the solinoids in the box fit a new fuse LOL

That was the first thing I did. All the fuses are fine.