Automatic transmission issue?

ACCLAIM 1989

MEMBER
1989 PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
103,567 MILES

Hi,

I have an issue with my transmission. I have replaced the solenoid shift controller twice. The first replacement lasted for 2 years. The current one I replaced in February 2022. It ran great for 10 miles and then locked up in first gear like the previous one. I was going to send it to the local transmission shop, but they were backed up for 3 weeks. I did some research and found that if I ran a ground wire to the controller and lube the connector with dielectric grease should solve the problem. So, I did and also added dielectric grease to the transmission control module and it did great until yesterday morning when it locked up again. I switched vehicles and later in the evening I went to try it and it drove as it had no problems. Would you please help. I would like to be sure I can drive the car without having it leave me stranded.

Thank you,
Fernando.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

If adding the wire helped, recheck it. What you did was provide a body ground for the controller. Make sure it wasn't damaged.

Also, try a different ground location. I would run it directly to the battery ground.

Let me know. Also, I need you to check for diagnostic trouble codes that may help us. This vehicle has an OBD1 system and doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve code. Follow the directions in this link and let me know if there are any stored codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, September 15th, 2022 AT 8:07 PM

ACCLAIM 1989

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Good afternoon, Gentlemen,

Thanks for getting back to me and the sites. I finally had the opportunity to check on the codes and there aren't any. Did go through and check and relocate the grounds. Hopefully this will do it!
I will give you an update in the near future.

Thanks,
Acclaim.

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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 3:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi Acclaim,

Thank you for the update. I hope that is the issue and it takes care of the problem for you. When you can, let me know. I'm interested in knowing what you find.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe

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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 7:03 PM

ACCLAIM 1989

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Good afternoon, Gentlemen,

For the word notorious been used, do you feel that having the transmission rebuilt, do you believe it could take care of the concern of getting stranded?

Thanks,
Acclaim.

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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 5:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Anything is possible, but it is odd that it worked when you originally added the ground. That leads me to think it is a connection or electrical issue.

Have you had the problem again since relocating the ground?

Let me know.

Joe