2000 Grand Vitara Automatic, First Gear Problem

2000 SUZUKI VITARA

91,000 MILES • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

MKURZAWSKI

MEMBER
4 POSTS
FOLLOW

I have a 2000 Grand Vitara automatic with 91k miles on it. I am experiencing an issue with the vehicle being unable to **** into low gear. I have to manually shift it to first when starting out on a hill, pulling out at an intersection, or any time first gear is needed. I took it to a dealer and they initially said it was something called a "drop cable"???? They said it was broken and had to be replaced.

I had it replaced but it did not fix the problem. They are now telling me that I need to replace the transmission! But when shifting manually it works fine once the vehicle is up to speed. So if I can shift manually isn’t the transmission Ok?

At one point I went through an automatic car wash and it started working just fine for a day or two then all of a sudden it stopped working and I had to go back to manual shifting. The mechanics I have taken it to are puzzled and so am I. Any Help??? Please?!?!?!?

Mar 18, 2011 at 3:55 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
110,175 POSTS

Honestly, it doesn't sound like it needs replaced. To me it sounds like a problem with a shift solenoid. They are what determine the gear the transmission goes to based on speed, load, conditions... They receive information from the PCM. I would have the 1 - 2 shift solenoid checked. If the trans isn't slipping and the shift is the problem, a sensor or solenoid is causing it.

Mar 18, 2011 at 6:41 PM

KHLOW2008

CERTIFIED EXPERT
41,814 POSTS

Yes, it most likely is a solenoid malfunctioning and since it was able to work for a while, I would suggest checking the wire harness connectors for the solenoids at transmission. It could be loose or lacks continuity due to contaminations or corrosions. Was any scan done to retrieve trouble codes?

Mar 18, 2011 at 8:11 PM

MKURZAWSKI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I did take it to a mechanic in the beginning and he did mention that but said he couldn't order the part and I had to take it to the dealer. The dealer seemed to disagree and then told me about the "Drop Cable" or whatever it's called. Of course replacing the cable involved taking out the transmission and charging me almost $700. Which didn’t fix it. (No he didn’t charge me, thank god) Is there a way to get new solenoids and replace them myself? I don't suppose it’s like changing a light bulb?

As far as trouble codes none of the three mechanics I have taken it too have mentioned it. No trouble lights are lit on the dash but I believe I could get access to one of those computers and check. I'll try that tonight and see what it says. Thank you for all your help!

Mar 18, 2011 at 8:46 PM

KHLOW2008

CERTIFIED EXPERT
41,814 POSTS

Keep us posted of the outcome

Mar 18, 2011 at 8:55 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
110,175 POSTS

Like KHLow said, let us know. As far as the shift solenoid, they are in the transmission accessable through the trans pan. Not a major ordeal but a little more than changing a lightbulb.

Mar 19, 2011 at 3:45 AM

MKURZAWSKI

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Well a quick update, I did check to see if it was showing a trouble code and nothing. Some diagnostic computer on THAT car let me tell you.

The challenge now is finding the shift solenoids and/or somebody to put them in. All the local places that don't try and sell me a new transmission say they won't touch it. But I do want to thank you all for your replies and advice. They have really helped steer me in the right direction. One quick question though. Is there anything else it could be? I ask because when I describe the situation, most of the mechanics look at me as if I rode short bus all my life.

Is there a fuse or a wire that could be shorted? Or would that show up as an error code? I know that without looking its hard to say but I just wanna make sure I have all my bases covered. Thanks in advance.

Mar 25, 2011 at 2:12 AM

KHLOW2008

CERTIFIED EXPERT
41,814 POSTS

What is your engine and transmission model (code)?

Mar 25, 2011 at 2:32 PM