vs auto lost 1st and 4th gears

[gunt_116]

hi there.

just wondering if anyone has had the same issue, lost both gears at the same time all other gears still work fine. I am thinking its an electrical problem? has only done 40000 k's since rebuilt.

Thanks in advance.

[woteva]

Checked for error codes ??

[Trikky]

sounds like you have either lost the 12v going to the box, wiring issue or the 1-2 solenoid is fubar

[VR38]

That would be the A + B shift solenoids, search the forum on how to replace.

[hako]

Sounds to me like the car is in LHM (Limp Home Mode)...this restricts the car to 3rd gear and reverse and is designed to get you home before it self destructs...well almost. It can be caused by a number of things but usually it's because one of the change solenoids has failed. A error code check will tell all Checking error codes VR/VS (Revised)

[Paul13pp]

I have just changed the engine and box for another in my VS wagon.
The donor car ran fine and is a known good engine and gearbox.

Now it is in my wagon, I have this limp home condition intermittently....

Upon first run, the engine light came on with codes 21 and 82.
21 is TPS voltage too hi and 82 is an auto a/b solenoid fault ....
The car had all gears at this stage but a harsh shift into drive was evident, along with a miss in the engine like it was sometimes breaking down running on 4 cyls at times.
Idle speed is also noticeably higher than my old engine was once warm.

I cleared the codes and now have lost 21 from the list but gained 73 and 82 remains.

Today I only have 2 forward gears and no overdrive. (2 and 3 and reverse works)
Park to drive shifts are still harsh as well.
The engine starts and idles fine but has an intermittent very noticeable miss upon acceleration (driving) even popping and backfiring on occasion from under the hood.

Since changing the engine/box on the weekend, I have had no real time to investigate what is causing these problems, but am thinking a good start would be to change the throttle position sensor and check that the big round gearbox electrical connector is plugged in properly. ( Buggered if I can get my hand in that confined space easily...)

[sidewayzking]

iv had this problem before definatley 3-2 down shift solanoid,,,, can get them off ebay for about $$70 easy to replace!!

[sidewayzking]

hey guys im new to this site can some1 tell me how to start a new thread i need to ask a few questions myself but cant figure it out!!!!???????

[Jxw]

first step is to check for error error codes Checking error codes VR/VS (Revised)

No 1st or 4th available; trans shifts 2nd to 3rd by itself in D or OD and locks the converter: ShiftA solenoid failed Or a wiring problem from PCM to trans or PCM. Needs diagnostic testing.

from 30 Common 4L60E Transmission Problems & Repair | Charlotte NC

plenty of results with a google search for the 4l60e that confirm much the same info, is it throwing error 81?

[Paul13pp]

My problem causing only 2 forward gears was the big round electrical plug not inserted correctly.
Now it is plugged in properly everything is fine and a reset of the codes now only shows a 12. All good.

[UW1SH]

If you need another box i have a VS auto gearbox here. $100 and you can take it.