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Car won't crank - Neutral start/reverse light inhibitor switch on Gearbox.

Discussion in 'VT - VX Holden Commodore (1997 - 2002)' started by stockstandard, Jul 23, 2012.

  1. Jul 23, 2012 #1
    stockstandard

    stockstandard New Member

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    Hi guys,

    I have replaced the motor and gearbox in my VT s2 on the weekend.

    It won't crank over and I have diagnosed it to this inhibitor switch.

    the switch that was on the gearbox we took out had one plug attached in the top socket and the bottom socket had a blank.

    the switch on the new gearbox installed had wires going to both plugs - ie no blank in bottom socket. I am thinking this is the problem but can't find any info about it.

    the old switch was damaged when removed because it looks like the plugs are glued in - so we can't use this to prove my theory.

    when the gearstick is moved to reverse the reverse lights come on so I believe the switch is working - maybe we need to adjust the switch?

    Does anyone know if there are different inhibitor switches?

    they look the same but the old one had LUCAS 3-2 on the plastic and the new one has LUCAS 3-3

    Pic below of what im trying to explain

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    stockstandard, Jul 23, 2012
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  2. Jul 23, 2012 #2
    stockstandard

    stockstandard New Member

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    *UPDATE*

    Got the car to start & run. the pins in the plug had moved back, pushed them back in a bit and we are away!

    BUT. we don't have any gears, the car won't move.

    Is this were the bottom plug comes into play?

    I was told the engine & gearbox were out of a VT but maybe its a not?

    Does a VX have the extra plug in the loom for the gearbox?

    would this make a difference?

    what else can I check to get the gearbox to work?
     
    stockstandard, Jul 23, 2012
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  3. Jul 23, 2012 #3
    vx_commodore

    vx_commodore Member

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    1 plug is for the PRND321 light's on the dash.
    The other i believe is for the reverse light's and netural start.

    But even if you had both unplugged it still should engage gear & drive?
     
    vx_commodore, Jul 23, 2012
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  4. Jul 23, 2012 #4
    delcowizzid

    delcowizzid on holiday

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    there is still one more plug a round one plugged into the top of the box with 12 or 13 wires did you plug that in.it should still have reverse and 2nd 3rd gears on the stick though
     
    delcowizzid, Jul 23, 2012
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  5. Jul 23, 2012 #5
    stockstandard

    stockstandard New Member

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    There was the big round plug you mentioned - plugged that in

    There was another small plug with a couple of wires that went towards the back of the box too - plugged that in.

    Surely the gearbox isn't faulty?
     
    stockstandard, Jul 23, 2012
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  6. Jul 23, 2012 #6
    vx_commodore

    vx_commodore Member

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    If it's not engaging, Must be the box.

    Is the shifter propley connected to the side of the box?
    Got fluid?

    Is it just fully not engaging no matter what you select? RD321?

    3 plug's in total, 1 round, 1 netural start, 1 PRND321.
     
    vx_commodore, Jul 23, 2012
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  7. Jul 23, 2012 #7
    stockstandard

    stockstandard New Member

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    Shifter connected

    Fluid sorted - if anything maybe a tad overfull

    No gears, nothing

    As for plugs, 1 round, 1 neutral start/reverse lights, 1 small square, NO PRND321 - that is blanked off, not in loom either - no dash lights for them in a VT

    Are there error codes for the transmission that can be generated?

    How else can I diagnose Trans?
     
    stockstandard, Jul 23, 2012
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  8. Jul 23, 2012 #8
    vx_commodore

    vx_commodore Member

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    yeh, There is only 1 switch for vt/vx, So if it's not a high model like calais the prnd321 plug on the switch will be capped.
    (because there is no use for it)
    I believe the transmission does log code's. Have you tried the OBD plug trick, Bridge pin 5&6?
    The engine light will flash with the corresponding error code.
     
    vx_commodore, Jul 23, 2012
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  9. Jul 27, 2019 #9
    VtDamo304

    VtDamo304 New Member

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    Hey stockstanderd just wondering if you sorted the problem out with not selecting gears because I'm having the same issue as you
     
    VtDamo304, Jul 27, 2019
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  10. Jul 27, 2019 #10
    accentstencil

    accentstencil Well-Known Member

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    Looks like stockstandard only come to sort out his problem and left never to be heard from again since 2012.
     
    accentstencil, Jul 27, 2019
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  11. Jul 27, 2019 #11
    delcowizzid

    delcowizzid on holiday

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    9 times out of 10 its cause the person fitted the gearbox with the convertor still on the flex plate not installed in the box and then they do up the bellhousing bolts and smash the pump in the gearbox
     
    delcowizzid, Jul 27, 2019
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    Utel67 likes this.
  12. Jul 27, 2019 #12
    Utel67

    Utel67 Active Member

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    You didn't forget to bolt the convertor to the flexplate, I've seen it done before haha, remove transmission cooler lines from radiator and put in a empty bottle, crank it over and see if it's pumping fluid.
     
    Utel67, Jul 27, 2019
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