Hi all,
I had my trans rebuilt by a well known, supposedly reputable shop in Northern NJ (Hamburg to be exact) back in Sept of last year (so it's still under warranty). I've had a string of bad luck and really haven't been able to drive the car until now. When I hook up a scan tool, I have no 3rd gear indicator. 4th is fine.
I brought them my stock, but baked, trans. I had the right valve body and other turbo specific parts in it. They told me I was lucky I had all that stuff 'cause they could turn it around quicker. I mention this because on "the other board" someone mentioned that if I had the wrong valve body, I might not have a 3rd gear switch.
Is there any way to tell without dropping the pan? Like if there's a pin missing on the connector on the outside plug?
If I do drop the pan, what do I look for. Where are the 3rd and 4th gear switches?
I feel like this shop was less than honest with me on a couple of other things despite their good reputation. I had the wrong dipstick in it when I got it back, and they did not put the converter I paid for in it. I'm afraid they might have kept my correct valve body and gave me a non-TR one. Obviously I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not sure what else would be wrong.
Last question - what are the implications of not having this signal? Does the ECM look for it? I know my BstC does and it's not trimming boost in 3rd as a result. How can I check if the switch is working at the trans (maybe a problem later on in the wiring)?
Thanks,
Jim
There are two pressure switches (3rd and 4th gear) in the VB. One on the bottom of the VB and the other on the back "corner". A single wire runs to each.
It might be that the wire is just not attached .. if so, just look for switch and see if the wire is flopping around. The wires run in thru a series of little bracket/holders to route them out of the way of the shifter linkage and moving parts. They are pretty tight and may have just been pulled loose.
However, if the trans shop switched VBs for a non Buick VB (like an Olds or a Monte), there may not be a 3rd gear switch in the VB. In that case there'll be a spare wire and the 3rd gear switch will be missing.
Dropped the pan. Both switches are there. Can't tell if it's the right VB but I have to assume that he used mine. Why wouldn't he? You'll have to pardon my prior skepticism. I had some strange things about the trans and TC. It works great, though, so I guess that's all that matters.
How do the switches work? Complete a ground? Seems that way as they're both open to ground now.
Back to the switch. I searched the archives and it looks like the "C" position is the 3rd gear switch, which leads to one of the switches (gray wire). Is there a way to test the switch? Will I mess anything up if I take it out?
There are casting numbers in the VB - is there a way to tell from them if it's correct? Just curious, not suspicious
Thanks,
Jim