After replacing the transmission, it will not shift into third or fourth gears?

KIMBERLY2440

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
111,000 MILES

I have the car listed above, I put it on the code reader, and it says torque converter solenoid. So, I replaced the whole transmission. It still only shifts the first 2 gears. Will not shift into 3rd or 4th. What could the problem be?

Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 2:23 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

There could be a few things causing this to happen. For example, it could be a wiring issue, a control module issue, a line pressure issue, and so on.

What I need is the code that was retrieved so I can further investigate possible causes and resolutions. If you still have that information, let me know what codes were retrieved.

I need that information because what you are describing sounds related to the 3=4 shift valve. If there is an issue with the gear ratio information when 3rd gear is requested, the PCM will inhibit the torque converter clutch from operation. That could be why you are getting that code. Are there any other codes?

When you replaced the transmission, was it a complete unit or did you use the old valve body? Also, is the fluid both clean and full?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 6:56 PM

KIMBERLY2440

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Fluid is full and the transmission was a complete unit. I'll put it back on code reader this afternoon and let you know the exact code it says.

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Friday, October 20th, 2023 AT 7:06 AM

KIMBERLY2440

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The code was po740.

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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 8:32 AM

KIMBERLY2440

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Okay, so. It was throwing code p0741. I was told the wrong code yesterday. I'm also leaking a small amount of transmission fluid where the axel goes into the transmission on the passenger side, I don't know the name of the seal. Will this cause it to not shift into third.

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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 6:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The seal where the CV axle attaches to the transmission is called an axle seal. It wouldn't cause this problem. However, if it is leaking badly, it should be replaced.

Now, the P0741 is related to the torque converter clutch circuit (stuck off). If you place the transmission in D3, will it shift into 3rd gear? I ask because I'm struggling to see the relationship between the code and the symptom. Is that the only code that was stored?

Let me know that. Also, I need to know if you have a bidirectional scan tool. If so, I need you to drive the vehicle up to 45 mph and command the TCC solenoid valve on. If it reacts, it should shift.

Let me know.

Joe