Not shifting? One day it works fine but most of the time it's in this low acceleration mode

Tiny
LOCKERANDOLPH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,715 MILES
I've had this issue with the truck for the past year, one day it works fine but most of the time it's in this low acceleration mode where the truck feels like its starting in 2nd or 3rd gear from a stop and its very annoying. Going up an incline also requires me to floor it when it's like this. Speedometer doesn't work (its at 0) and the same with the tachometer. The odometer and trip set don't move as well. The gear selector light is on and moves with the shifter with the key on but goes out when the truck is running for some reason. The OBD1 is throwing the codes 81, 82, and 83. I'm ultimately stuck between thinking the ECM is bad from the three codes, the speed sensor/sensors are bad or the ignition switch harness under the key is bad and I need to trace wiring. I also recently found a thick white wire broke off from being grounded to a bolt above the brake pedal, I'm not sure if its related.
Friday, August 28th, 2020 AT 5:53 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

The codes are interesting. All deal with shift control via the PCM. However, there is one thing they all have in common. All can be caused by a faulty ground.

I need you to check something for me. I just ran through a schematic of grounds for this vehicle. Everything showing a ground is black. Can you somehow take a pic of the wire in question and upload it for me to see? Also, are you sure it is a ground? Can you tell where the opposite end of the white wire is going?

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
LOCKERANDOLPH
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I'm guessing that it's a ground by the way it is wired to a metal frame hung around the steering column and not to some sensor or harness. I checked around to see if there was another broken wire hanging down but I saw nothing. Here's the picture, and thank you for helping me.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
LOCKERANDOLPH
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here's another for close up. I took the other to reference where it is by the brake pedal.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for getting that to me. It isn't a factory ground, but you are correct, it's a ground. The white wire you mentioned, have you tried to reconnect it to ground? There may have been need for a new ground.

Joe
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
LOCKERANDOLPH
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I'll get back to you once I do some more searching, whatever it was grounding has to have some trace of a wire coming off of it.
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi:
Let me know if you find it. Also, I don't know if it will help you, but I attached schematics of all the grounds in this vehicle.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM

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