Not shifting properly

1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
149,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BOB DA SILVA
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Will not shift out of first gear unless I let off on the gas rate at about twenty five mph . It then shifts fine into third and overdrive. Once it is in second gear I can shift down the shift lever and put it back into the drive gear and that will shift fine into second.
Apr 20, 2018 at 10:05 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

It sounds like the first to second shift valve is sticking.

When was the last time you changed the oil/filter in the transmission?

Roy
Apr 20, 2018 at 11:01 AM
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BOB DA SILVA
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Thank you so much for your quick response to my problem. Last June 2017, a transmission specialist put in a rebuilt torque converter and of course the oil (ten quarts) and filter were changed at that time. We have not even driven 3,000 miles in ten months since we had the work done. Should the oil and filter need changing? Bob da Silva
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:25 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, I would still check it to see if there is any metal on the bottom of the pan on the magnet.

Roy
Apr 24, 2018 at 4:30 AM
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BOB DA SILVA
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Okay, since I only have one healthy hand, I wanted to see if I could free up the "sticky valve" as you said, by putting in some Sea Foam, then I will take down the pan again, if that does not work. It does now shift into second gear but not until at about twenty five mph (used to shift at about twenty mph), and will do so without letting up on the gas. Is it at all possible that it might be a bad input speed sensor? All other gears shift just fine. Bob da Silva. Thank you so very much.
Apr 24, 2018 at 3:53 PM
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BOB DA SILVA
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I am so sorry, I am not certain that I did it right above, so I do not know if I sent the message above that begin by saying I only have one good hand. Bob da Silva, so sorry for the "mess."
Apr 24, 2018 at 4:01 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay got it.

I see you added the Seafoam. did you change the fluid and filter?

it sounds like you made progress but you need to get rid of the dirt and debris.

Roy
Apr 24, 2018 at 4:12 PM
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BOB DA SILVA
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Sorry Roy, I think I am doing a poor job of reporting. I did not yet change filter and fluid because if that is not it (debris etc.) then I would need to take down the pan yet again. As with most people I am short on funds and so I have to do this myself with a physical handicap to boot. If it is a switch. like the speed sensor, then I would want to fix that instead of taking down the pan. I did do an OBD and it showed PO 743, "TCC solenoid open or shorting." That, however, does not seem to fit the symptoms, as all gears, other than first to second, work just fine. Thank you so much. Again, do you think it could or might be the input speed sensor? I do not think I would have to take down the pan for that. Bob
Apr 25, 2018 at 10:35 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No to the input speed sensor. I think you have dirt in the governor that is causing this issue.

The governor may be serviced by removing the trans-axle oil pan and valve body assembly. The governor may be unbolted from the governor support and removed from the trans-axle for reconditioning or replacement.

When cleaning or assembling the governor, make sure the governor valves move freely in the bores of the governor body.
Apr 25, 2018 at 10:42 AM
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BOB DA SILVA
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Do you have a picture of what the governor looks like so that I know what to look for? I think I am getting in over my head both for physical as well as capability reasons. You have been great!
Apr 25, 2018 at 11:24 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Picture as requested.

Roy

Apr 25, 2018 at 12:10 PM
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BOB DA SILVA
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Okay, we removed the pan and were astounded to find large pieces of what appears to be gasket material in the pan, up inside the filter, and above the filter. The filter was probably obstructed and so we are wondering. Might Iit function correctly now, after removing those pieces; however..Where did they come from. We are attaching a picture of those pieces and have tried to arrange them in the configuration it might have been in. We realize the one shaped like an "L" is part of the filter system. We think one piece is still missing... And perhaps two to three inches long. Might we have found the problem? If not, the diagram you sent showing the governor body helps us ... Not at all. Where do we look for the Governor Body now that the pan is off?

Thank you so very much.

Bob da Silva
May 1, 2018 at 4:18 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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okay, that is all clutch material. it looks like you have clutch failure in one of the clutch packs. I would stop right there. the transmission will have to be removed and inspected.

Roy
May 1, 2018 at 4:23 PM