recurring 2/3 shift solenoid fault

[shinagami2227]

(From hako's thread 'solenoid replacement 4L60E')

Hi hako I had this problem just last week. It was pretty simple to do. I got a new solenoid from a transmission place for $25 brand new (holden wanted $125) just ring around a few tranny joints and you should be able to get one. If you have serviced the tranny before then it is exactly the same procedure and u will see that there r 2 solenoids next to each other, they look different so replace the one that is the same as the replacement u get from the tranny joint. Carefully take out the clip and electrical plug and it will pop out with a little help. it sort of clicks in and out of the tranny with a garden hose type plug, u will know what i mean when u see it. Then change the solenoids over and do reverse. Mine was all sweet after that..................until today the light came on again.......nooooooooooooooooo........checked codes and yep u guessed it got an 81...son of a ******!!! I was gonna start a new thread but then saw ur post. Does anyone know if there is an underlying problem that is causing the 2/3 solenoid to go???? or is it possible that it is just my luck that a got a faulty replacement solenoid? It was easy enough to change the solenoid over if i got a faulty one but dont want to do it if there is another problem that is causing the solenoid to go.

Any help would be great and hopefully it might help you out to hako

[hako]

Did you check the old solenoid electrically as it may have been OK and the connector may have been the problem or the wiring. You should be able to electrically check the solenoid(s) externally via the connector.
When you had the code 82 did the transmission behave normally?

[shinagami2227]

i got error code 81 (2/3 solenoid fault b) when I originally had the problem, so then I replaced the 2/3 shift solenoid and took the battery cables off for 10 mins or so to reset the comp. When all was reconnected and I started her up no engine light and I had all gears and it seemed that all was fixed. Just to be sure I checked error coeds again and only got 12 (system pass) so I thought sweet all fixed! All was ok for 8 days then 2 nights ago while on the ring road at 100km in 4th the engine light came on again and I only had 3rd gear. Got home and it was late so checked her the next day and no engine light so i took her for a drive around the block, it was ok till it went to change from 2-3 and then the light came on again got home ckecked codes.....got an 81 which is the same fault that I originally had. I think it might be a typo in ur last post but i never got an error code 82 (which is the 1-2 shift solenoid i think)

I will look in to how I can check the solenoid for faults as I have the one that i took out, any tips on how to do this? Do u mean I can check the solenoid off the tranny? If the solenoid I took out was ok maybe wiring problem u reckon? I just assumed the solenoid must have been cactus cause replacing it seemed to fix the problem...........until now that is!!

Sorry to go the long way round to answer youre question but, no the transmission did not behave normally when I had the error code I only had 3rd and 1st if I manually selected it. Might have to bite the bullet and get her looked at nooooooooooo $$$$

[DannyboyDS]

could it be the clutch packs? do you feel anly slipping?

[Harvs82]

i got error code 81 (2/3 solenoid fault b) when I originally had the problem, so then I replaced the 2/3 shift solenoid and took the battery cables off for 10 mins or so to reset the comp. When all was reconnected and I started her up no engine light and I had all gears and it seemed that all was fixed. Just to be sure I checked error coeds again and only got 12 (system pass) so I thought sweet all fixed! All was ok for 8 days then 2 nights ago while on the ring road at 100km in 4th the engine light came on again and I only had 3rd gear. Got home and it was late so checked her the next day and no engine light so i took her for a drive around the block, it was ok till it went to change from 2-3 and then the light came on again got home ckecked codes.....got an 81 which is the same fault that I originally had. I think it might be a typo in ur last post but i never got an error code 82 (which is the 1-2 shift solenoid i think)

I will look in to how I can check the solenoid for faults as I have the one that i took out, any tips on how to do this? Do u mean I can check the solenoid off the tranny? If the solenoid I took out was ok maybe wiring problem u reckon? I just assumed the solenoid must have been cactus cause replacing it seemed to fix the problem...........until now that is!!

Sorry to go the long way round to answer youre question but, no the transmission did not behave normally when I had the error code I only had 3rd and 1st if I manually selected it. Might have to bite the bullet and get her looked at nooooooooooo $$$$

If you only had third gear, then the ECU has gone into limp home mode, which basically means there is a lot more wrong with the transmission than just the 3/2 solenoid... Usually when that buggers up it just affects how the transmission shifts, especially going from 3rd to 2nd gear under acceleration, the revs usually flare up and then it slams into gear. Been through two of these solenoids in the VS commodores here, one went on the olds car at around 50,000km, and mine went around 175,000km in my old Berlina.

I'd be getting your transmission looked at by a specialist asap, yes its going to cost $$$, but it could end up costing a whole lot more if you don't get onto it soon.

[shinagami2227]

could it be the clutch packs? do you feel anly slipping?

No I did'nt have any slipping while the light was off after I changed the solenoid. The transmission was working fine smooth shifts gave it a bit on the freeway felt strong no worries. Then once the light came back on it goes into limp mode ( only got 3rd and 1st if I manually select it) but the transmission has been good up till now it was replaced at 180.000kms about 4 or 5 years ago after the torque converter went. The old girl has just clicked 250,000kms so this transmission has done about 70,000kms over about 4 or 5 years.

I found this write up which makes me think it could be a wiring problem (circut going to shift solenoid)
http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/may2001/techtotech.htm

[shinagami2227]

If you only had third gear, then the ECU has gone into limp home mode, which basically means there is a lot more wrong with the transmission than just the 3/2 solenoid... Usually when that buggers up it just affects how the transmission shifts, especially going from 3rd to 2nd gear under acceleration, the revs usually flare up and then it slams into gear. Been through two of these solenoids in the VS commodores here, one went on the olds car at around 50,000km, and mine went around 175,000km in my old Berlina.

I'd be getting your transmission looked at by a specialist asap, yes its going to cost $$$, but it could end up costing a whole lot more if you don't get onto it soon.

The error code that the ecu gives me is 81 which is 2/3 shift solenoid fault. If you have any suggetions on what could be causing this, besides a faulty solenoid, please tell as that is the point of this thread to try and figure out what it could be.........................without spending too much $$$$$$$$$
if it can be helped

[Col74]

Just reading this post, i have had a similar problem.
Didn't know VS had a limp home mode, is this correct?
My initial problem was very different to yours Shinagami2227 but the end result the same, only 1st and 3rd.
Haven't had this happen again but i'm preparing myself for the big money repair as my tranny (if it's the original) has done almost 250,000klm LOL.

[hako]

I think it might be a typo in ur last post but i never got an error code 82 (which is the 1-2 shift solenoid i think)

I will look in to how I can check the solenoid for faults as I have the one that i took out, any tips on how to do this? Do u mean I can check the solenoid off the tranny? If the solenoid I took out was ok maybe wiring problem u reckon? I just assumed the solenoid must have been cactus cause replacing it seemed to fix the problem...........until now that is!!

Sorry to go the long way round to answer youre question but, no the transmission did not behave normally when I had the error code I only had 3rd and 1st if I manually selected it. Might have to bite the bullet and get her looked at nooooooooooo $$$$

Was a typo or old age or both. Re testing the solenoid - Gregorys has the wiring diagram with colours for the solenoid wiring....it must be possible to check each solenoid individually for continuity via the external connector. I'd also imagine that they all have similar resistance (think there are 4 solenoids?)
I had the code 81 and LHM which would come and go about 6 months ago - this was on my trans which was fully reco'd 2 years ago.....the solenoid was replaced and trans has been good as new since then. I was going to do the job myself like you but got lazy....cost $200. A reco trans costs$$$$ so I can understand you reluctance to go that way!
Maybe the solenoids fail in more than one way - electrically by burning out or mechanically by dirt. I can post the wiring diagram if you like.

[Cheap6]

How is the fault code determined? Maybe the PCM looks for a particular combination in the pressure switches. It/they have been known to fail too.

[shinagami2227]

Maybe the solenoids fail in more than one way - electrically by burning out or mechanically by dirt. I can post the wiring diagram if you like.

If you could post the diagram that would be great. I got my hands on a multimeter. Will try and check the circuts. If they turn up ok I will just replace the solenoid again and hope that my problem was a faulty replacement solenoid (fingers and toes crossed!) and not something else.

Thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated

[shinagami2227]

Just a quick post script:

The car at the moment when started is fine no engine light, reverse out drive way put it into drive go to take off and bang the light comes on and it goes to limp mode. But each time I start the car the engine light is off until I put it in drive. If I manually select 1st instead of drive the transmission changes through 1st, 2nd(sort of seems to skip straight up to 3rd) and when I put it into drive for 4th I get limp mode and engine light again. When I originally got the problem (before i replaced the solenoid) the car was in permanent limp mode with engine light always on

[hako]

Here's the diagram - colour YB = yellow/black
X = light green
SR = grey/red
GW = green/white.

I'd suppose that all 4 solenoids are earthed thru the valve body ....so in theory there should be resistance on each of the 4 solenoid wires (to earth). This is real bush mechanix!
Have fun

[hako]

Was just reading the bill for my code 81 and it says SOLENOID-SHIFT B (2-3) P/N DL 77945 $63.41

yet according to the wiring diagram there is a "solenoid B and a solenoid 2-3

Confusing.

[shinagami2227]

Thanks hako your'e a champ. This is real bush mechanix! I like that!

[shinagami2227]

Was just reading the bill for my code 81 and it says SOLENOID-SHIFT B (2-3) P/N DL 77945 $63.41

yet according to the wiring diagram there is a "solenoid B and a solenoid 2-3

Confusing.

I have read that much material about transmissions and solenoids and wiring diagrams on the net over the last couple of days that I literally have a headache right now! Going to bed will have some 'fun' tomorrow. Cheers

[shinagami2227]

Alright problem solved

I checked the solenoid circuit for continuity and it was open. So I knew I had a wiring problem and thought the first thing to do is check the solenoid electrical plug/connector. So I went through the process of taking the transmission pan out (if i've learned one thing it is that I am gonna get plug put in the bottom of the pan for future servicing) I checked the connector to the B shift solenoid and there was my prolem staring me right in the face The little clip that holds the connector in place had broken and the connector had worked its way off - that's why it was all sweet for 8 days, the connector must have taken that long to work loose. This must have been caused by me being a little rough with it, the plastic connectors are very brittle I suppose due to heat and age. Any way had to get a new solenoid connector put it in done the pan back up etc. said a prayer and took her for a test drive yeah my baby is back!!!

So I suppose the moral of the story would be: make sure you are very very cafeful with the electrical connectors if u attempt to relace a shift solenoid urself. I hope this thread saves someone the headaches that this simple $#@% up has caused me!!

I would like to say a speacial thanks to hako for all his help and input and for originally starting this thread. Cheers man

Also for anyone in the northern suburbs (Melb) this is the place I got the replacement solenoid from (they have all transmission hard and soft parts)
and pretty sure they can ship overnight for all other states. I spoke to a dude named Andrew he was very helpful and a good price.

ETP

72 Killara Rd
Campbellfield, VIC, 3061
Ph: 03 9357 0854

Again thanks to everyone who gave suggestions to assist me in solving this problem.

[DannyboyDS]

glad to see it all worked out, this was a good and interesting thread, I would have loved to see Hako's thread in the HOWTO section with some pics.

[fasamr]

hello everyone
after reading off these threads i have realised that u people are there to help out to anyone.

please help me to understand i know the 1-2 Shift Solenoid wats the B OR B Circuit Fault wat to do with the B thing.

i've got this error code and ecu goes in LHM i guess i have 1st, 2nd and 3rd but no 4th then i have to stop the car and with for like 2 to 5 min when i take off i get all 4 gears normally but after some time again same thing.

So should i do some thing like shinagami2227 but please explain it.

As i m not in Australia i m in UAE (Dubai) so Lack to Commodore Mechanics.

This is the error Code.
Code 82 1-2 Shift Solenoid B
Circuit Fault

[wayne_140]

hi saw your thread and posts, I have a simliar problem, car not shifting from 2nd to 3rd, no cel code tho evrything is just 12. I decided to change filter etc.. and found the 2/3 solenoid is loose as.. it turns , is that normal, and like u i broke the wiring clip tell me did you get that from auto place as well
thanks

[fsuguy]

Hi shinagami2227,

I have a similar problem -broke both connector clips to the solenoid 1 & 2. How or where did you get the replacement connectors from?

Thx
Mike

[VR38]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but has anyone found new connectors for the A & B shift solenoids?

[VR38]

Well I just zip tied mine so they do not vibrate off but I have found a replacement harness is available a tad on the heavy side of $100.
If you google 4L60E harness you should get some hits and try the guys that sell the solenoids also.